10-Q 1 ale3-31x201610xq.htm 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

x | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
| For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

or

¨ | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
| For the transition period from ______________ to ______________

Commission File Number 1-3548
ALLETE, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota |  | 41-0418150
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (IRS Employer Identification No.)

30 West Superior Street
Duluth, Minnesota 55802-2093
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(218) 279-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). x Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer x | Accelerated Filer ¨ |
Non-Accelerated Filer ¨ | Smaller Reporting Company ¨ |

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ¨ Yes x No
Common Stock, without par value,
49,256,265 shares outstanding
as of March 31, 2016

Index

|  |  | Page
Definitions | 3
Forward-Looking Statements | 5
Part I. | Financial Information |
| Item 1. | Consolidated Financial Statements |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet - |
|  | March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 | 7
| Consolidated Statement of Income - |
|  | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | 8
| Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - |
|  | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | 9
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - |
|  | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | 10
| Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - |
|  | Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 | 11
| Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 12
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 36
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 49
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 50
Part II. | Other Information |
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 51
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 51
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 51
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 51
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 51
| Item 5. | Other Information | 51
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 52
Signatures | 53

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
2

Definitions
The following abbreviations or acronyms are used in the text. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE, Inc., and its subsidiaries, collectively.

Abbreviation or Acronym | Term
AFUDC | Allowance for Funds Used During Construction – the cost of both debt and equity funds used to finance utility plant additions during construction periods
ALLETE | ALLETE, Inc.
ALLETE Clean Energy | ALLETE Clean Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries
ALLETE Properties | ALLETE Properties, LLC and its subsidiaries
ALLETE Transmission Holdings | ALLETE Transmission Holdings, Inc.
ATC | American Transmission Company LLC
Bison | Bison Wind Energy Center
BNI Energy | BNI Coal, Ltd. d/b/a BNI Energy
Boswell | Boswell Energy Center
CO 2 | Carbon Dioxide
Company | ALLETE, Inc. and its subsidiaries
CSAPR | Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
DC | Direct Current
EIS | Environmental Impact Statement
EPA | United States Environmental Protection Agency
ESOP | Employee Stock Ownership Plan
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Form 10-K | ALLETE Annual Report on Form 10-K
Form 10-Q | ALLETE Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America
GHG | Greenhouse Gases
GNTL | Great Northern Transmission Line
IBEW | International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
IRP | Integrated Resource Plan
Invest Direct | ALLETE’s Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Item ___ | Item ___ of this Form 10-Q
kV | Kilovolt(s)
kWh | Kilowatt-hour(s)
Laskin | Laskin Energy Center
MACT | Maximum Achievable Control Technology
Magnetation | Magnetation, LLC
Manitoba Hydro | Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board
MATS | Mercury and Air Toxics Standards
Minnesota Power | An operating division of ALLETE, Inc.
Minnkota Power | Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.
MISO | Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
Montana-Dakota Utilities | Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., a division of MDU Resources Group, Inc.
MPCA | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MPUC | Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
MW / MWh | Megawatt(s) / Megawatt-hour(s)

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
3

Abbreviation or Acronym | Term
NAAQS | National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NDPSC | North Dakota Public Service Commission
NOL | Net Operating Loss
NO 2 | Nitrogen Dioxide
NO X | Nitrogen Oxides
Note ___ | Note ___ to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q
NPDES | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Oliver Wind I | Oliver Wind I Energy Center
Oliver Wind II | Oliver Wind II Energy Center
Palm Coast Park | Palm Coast Park development project in Florida
Palm Coast Park District | Palm Coast Park Community Development District
PolyMet | PolyMet Mining Corp.
PPA | Power Purchase Agreement
PPACA | Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010
PSCW | Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
SEC | Securities and Exchange Commission
SIP | State Implementation Plan
SO 2 | Sulfur Dioxide
Square Butte | Square Butte Electric Cooperative
SWL&P | Superior Water, Light and Power Company
Taconite Harbor | Taconite Harbor Energy Center
Thomson | Thomson Energy Center
Town Center | Town Center at Palm Coast development project in Florida
Town Center District | Town Center at Palm Coast Community Development District
U.S. | United States of America
U.S. Water Services | U.S. Water Services Holding Company and its subsidiaries
USS Corporation | United States Steel Corporation

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
4

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that are not statements of historical facts are considered “forward-looking” and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, future expectations, risks, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, events, uncertainties, financial performance, or growth strategies (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “likely,” “will continue,” “could,” “may,” “potential,” “target,” “outlook” or words of similar meaning) are not statements of historical facts and may be forward-looking.
In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ALLETE in this Form 10-Q, in presentations, on our website, in response to questions or otherwise. These statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors, in addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements:

• | our ability to successfully implement our strategic objectives;

• | global and domestic economic conditions affecting us or our customers;

• | changes in and compliance with laws and regulations;

• | changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation;

• | the outcome of legal and administrative proceedings (whether civil or criminal) and settlements;

• | weather conditions, natural disasters and pandemic diseases;

• | our ability to access capital markets and bank financing;

• | changes in interest rates and the performance of the financial markets;

• | project delays or changes in project costs;

• | changes in operating expenses and capital expenditures and our ability to raise revenues from our customers in regulated rates or sales price increases at our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses;

• | the impacts of commodity prices on ALLETE and our customers;

• | our ability to attract and retain qualified, skilled and experienced personnel;

• | effects of emerging technology;

• | war, acts of terrorism and cyber attacks;

• | our ability to manage expansion and integrate acquisitions;

• | population growth rates and demographic patterns;

• | wholesale power market conditions;

• | federal and state regulatory and legislative actions that impact regulated utility economics, including our allowed rates of return, capital structure, ability to secure financing, industry and rate structure, acquisition and disposal of assets and facilities, operation and construction of plant facilities and utility infrastructure, recovery of purchased power, capital investments and other expenses, including present or prospective environmental matters;

• | effects of competition, including competition for retail and wholesale customers;

• | effects of restructuring initiatives in the electric industry;

• | the impacts on our Regulated Operations segment of climate change and future regulation to restrict the emissions of greenhouse gases;

• | effects of increased deployment of distributed low-carbon electricity generation resources;

• | the impacts of laws and regulations related to renewable and distributed generation;

• | pricing, availability and transportation of fuel and other commodities and the ability to recover the costs of such commodities;

• | our current and potential industrial and municipal customers’ ability to execute announced expansion plans;

• | real estate market conditions where our legacy Florida real estate investment is located may not improve;

• | the success of efforts to realize value from, invest in, and develop new opportunities in, our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses; and

• | factors affecting Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses, including fluctuations in the volume of customer orders, unanticipated cost increases, changes in legislation and regulations impacting the industries in which the customers served operate, the effects of weather, creditworthiness of customers, ability to obtain materials required to perform services, and changing market conditions.

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
5

Forward Looking Statements (Continued)
Additional disclosures regarding factors that could cause our results or performance to differ from those anticipated by this report are discussed in Part 1, Item 1A, under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 25 of the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which that statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of these factors, nor can it assess the impact of each of these factors on the businesses of ALLETE or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by ALLETE in this Form 10-Q and in other reports filed with the SEC that attempt to identify the risks and uncertainties that may affect ALLETE’s business.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
6

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Millions – Unaudited

| March 31, 2016 |  | December 31, 2015
Assets |  |  |
Current Assets |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |  | $97.0 |  |  |  | $97.0 |
Accounts Receivable (Less Allowance of $1.2 and $1.0) | 124.8 |  |  | 121.2 |
Inventories | 116.0 |  |  | 117.1 |
Prepayments and Other | 41.5 |  |  | 35.7 |
Total Current Assets | 379.3 |  |  | 371.0 |
Property, Plant and Equipment – Net | 3,642.3 |  |  | 3,669.1 |
Regulatory Assets | 367.1 |  |  | 372.0 |
Investment in ATC | 128.6 |  |  | 124.5 |
Other Investments | 72.9 |  |  | 74.6 |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets – Net | 213.9 |  |  | 215.2 |
Other Non-Current Assets | 68.6 |  |  | 68.1 |
Total Assets |  | $4,872.7 |  |  |  | $4,894.5 |
Liabilities and Equity |  |  |
Liabilities |  |  |
Current Liabilities |  |  |
Accounts Payable |  | $58.8 |  |  |  | $88.8 |
Accrued Taxes | 52.2 |  |  | 44.0 |
Accrued Interest | 14.9 |  |  | 18.6 |
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year | 14.8 |  |  | 35.7 |
Notes Payable | 0.7 |  |  | 1.6 |
Other | 82.8 |  |  | 86.1 |
Total Current Liabilities | 224.2 |  |  | 274.8 |
Long-Term Debt | 1,551.3 |  |  | 1,556.7 |
Deferred Income Taxes | 589.7 |  |  | 579.8 |
Regulatory Liabilities | 102.2 |  |  | 105.0 |
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans | 205.7 |  |  | 206.8 |
Other Non-Current Liabilities | 347.1 |  |  | 349.0 |
Total Liabilities | 3,020.2 |  |  | 3,072.1 |
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies (Note 13) |  |  |
Equity |  |  |
ALLETE’s Equity |  |  |
Common Stock Without Par Value, 80.0 Shares Authorized, 49.3 and 49.1 Shares Outstanding | 1,281.0 |  |  | 1,271.4 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | (24.7 | ) |  | (24.5 | )
Retained Earnings | 593.5 |  |  | 573.3 |
Total ALLETE Equity | 1,849.8 |  |  | 1,820.2 |
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | 2.7 |  |  | 2.2 |
Total Equity | 1,852.5 |  |  | 1,822.4 |
Total Liabilities and Equity |  | $4,872.7 |  |  |  | $4,894.5 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
7

ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Millions Except Per Share Amounts – Unaudited

|  | Three Months Ended
|  | March 31,
|  | 2016 | 2015
Operating Revenue |  |  | $333.8 |  |  | $320.0 |
Operating Expenses |  |  |
Fuel and Purchased Power |  | 76.9 |  | 86.0 |
Transmission Services |  | 16.8 |  | 14.9 |
Cost of Sales |  | 33.3 |  | 31.2 |
Operating and Maintenance |  | 78.1 |  | 79.7 |
Depreciation and Amortization |  | 48.1 |  | 39.0 |
Taxes Other than Income Taxes |  | 13.8 |  | 12.8 |
Total Operating Expenses |  | 267.0 |  | 263.6 |
Operating Income |  | 66.8 |  | 56.4 |
Other Income (Expense) |  |  |
Interest Expense |  | (16.9 | ) | (15.1 | )
Equity Earnings in ATC |  | 4.8 |  | 3.9 |
Other |  | 1.0 |  | 1.1 |
Total Other Expense |  | (11.1 | ) | (10.1 | )
Income Before Non-Controlling Interest and Income Taxes |  | 55.7 |  | 46.3 |
Income Tax Expense |  | 9.3 |  | 6.2 |
Net Income |  | 46.4 |  | 40.1 |
Less: Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |  | 0.5 |  | 0.2 |
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |  |  | $45.9 |  |  | $39.9 |
Average Shares of Common Stock |  |  |
Basic |  | 49.2 |  | 46.9 |
Diluted |  | 49.2 |  | 47.1 |
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock |  |  | $0.93 |  |  | $0.85 |
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock |  |  | $0.93 |  |  | $0.85 |
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock |  |  | $0.52 |  |  | $0.505 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
8

ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Millions – Unaudited

|  | Three Months Ended
|  | March 31,
|  | 2016 |  | 2015
Net Income |  |  | $46.4 |  |  |  | $40.1 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  |  |  |
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities |  |  |  |
Net of Income Taxes of $(0.3) and $0.1 |  | (0.4 | ) |  | 0.1 |
Unrealized Gain on Derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |
Net of Income Taxes of $– and $– |  | — |  |  | 0.1 |
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans |  |  |  |
Net of Income Taxes of $0.1 and $0.2 |  | 0.2 |  |  | 0.3 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  | (0.2 | ) |  | 0.5 |
Total Comprehensive Income |  | 46.2 |  |  | 40.6 |
Less: Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries |  | 0.5 |  |  | 0.2 |
Comprehensive Income Attributable to ALLETE |  |  | $45.7 |  |  |  | $40.4 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
9

ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Millions – Unaudited

| Three Months Ended
| March 31,
| 2016 |  | 2015
Operating Activities |  |  |
Net Income |  | $46.4 |  |  |  | $40.1 |
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction – Equity | (0.9 | ) |  | (0.9 | )
Income from Equity Investments – Net of Dividends | (2.9 | ) |  | (0.8 | )
Depreciation Expense | 46.8 |  |  | 38.4 |
Amortization of Power Purchase Agreements | (5.6 | ) |  | (4.9 | )
Amortization of Other Intangible Assets and Other Assets | 2.3 |  |  | 0.8 |
Deferred Income Tax Expense | 9.2 |  |  | 6.1 |
Share-Based Compensation Expense | 0.6 |  |  | 0.6 |
ESOP Compensation Expense | — |  |  | 2.4 |
Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Benefit Expense | 1.3 |  |  | 3.8 |
Bad Debt Expense | 0.6 |  |  | 0.2 |
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities |  |  |
Accounts Receivable | (4.2 | ) |  | 7.8 |
Inventories | 1.1 |  |  | (8.8 | )
Prepayments and Other | 0.1 |  |  | (0.7 | )
Accounts Payable | (4.2 | ) |  | (14.0 | )
Other Current Liabilities | 0.9 |  |  | (1.7 | )
Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Assets | 2.8 |  |  | (4.1 | )
Changes in Regulatory and Other Non-Current Liabilities | (1.1 | ) |  | 7.5 |
Cash from Operating Activities | 93.2 |  |  | 71.8 |
Investing Activities |  |  |
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities | 1.1 |  |  | 0.2 |
Payments for Purchase of Available-for-sale Securities | (0.3 | ) |  | (0.4 | )
Acquisitions of Subsidiaries – Net of Cash Acquired | — |  |  | (166.9 | )
Investment in ATC | (1.2 | ) |  | (0.4 | )
Changes to Other Investments | 0.2 |  |  | — |
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment | (42.4 | ) |  | (88.2 | )
Construction Costs for Development Project | — |  |  | (0.2 | )
Cash for Investing Activities | (42.6 | ) |  | (255.9 | )
Financing Activities |  |  |
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock | 9.0 |  |  | 141.5 |
Changes in Restricted Cash | (5.8 | ) |  | (0.8 | )
Changes in Notes Payable | (0.9 | ) |  | (3.4 | )
Repayments of Long-Term Debt | (26.6 | ) |  | (2.0 | )
Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration Payments | (0.6 | ) |  | — |
Dividends on Common Stock | (25.7 | ) |  | (24.9 | )
Cash from (for) Financing Activities | (50.6 | ) |  | 110.4 |
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | (73.7 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 97.0 |  |  | 145.8 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |  | $97.0 |  |  |  | $72.1 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
10

ALLETE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Millions – Unaudited

| Total Shareholders’ Equity | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Common Stock
Balance as of December 31, 2015 |  | $1,820.2 |  |  | $573.3 |  | $(24.5) |  | $1,271.4 |
Comprehensive Income |  |  |  |
Net Income | 46.4 |  | 46.4 |  |  |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Net of Tax |  |  |  |
Unrealized Loss on Securities – Net | (0.4 | ) |  | (0.4 | ) |
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – Net | 0.2 |  |  | 0.2 |  |
Total Comprehensive Income | 46.2 |  |  |  |
Non-Controlling Interest in Subsidiaries | (0.5 | ) | (0.5 | ) |  |
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to ALLETE | 45.7 |  |  |  |
Common Stock Issued – Net | 9.6 |  |  |  | 9.6 |
Dividends Declared | (25.7 | ) | (25.7 | ) |  |
Balance as of March 31, 2016 |  | $1,849.8 |  |  | $593.5 |  | $(24.7) |  | $1,281.0 |

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
11

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Similarly, the December 31, 2015, Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. In management’s opinion, these unaudited financial statements include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of financial results. All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2016. For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes included in our 2015 Form 10-K.
NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventories in our Regulated Operations and ALLETE Clean Energy segments are carried at an average cost basis. Inventories in our U.S. Water Services and Corporate and Other segments are carried at an average cost, first-in, first-out or specific identification basis.

Inventories | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Fuel (a) |  | $56.5 |  |  |  | $58.1 |
Materials and Supplies | 49.0 |  |  | 49.1 |
Raw Materials | 2.6 |  |  | 2.7 |
Work in Progress | 0.8 |  |  | — |
Finished Goods | 7.4 |  |  | 7.5 |
Reserve for Obsolescence | (0.3 | ) |  | (0.3 | )
Total Inventories |  | $116.0 |  |  |  | $117.1 |

(a) | Fuel consists primarily of coal inventory at Minnesota Power.

Prepayments and Other Current Assets | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Deferred Fuel Adjustment Clause |  | $12.4 |  |  |  | $10.6 |
Restricted Cash (a) | 11.5 |  |  | 5.6 |
Other | 17.6 |  |  | 19.5 |
Total Prepayments and Other Current Assets |  | $41.5 |  |  |  | $35.7 |

(a) | Restricted Cash includes collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements and cash pledged as collateral for U.S. Water Services’ standby letters of credit.

Other Non-Current Assets.
Restricted Cash. Included in Other Non-Current Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was restricted cash of $8.1 million as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, related to collateral deposits required under ALLETE Clean Energy’s loan agreements.

Other Current Liabilities | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Customer Deposits |  | $14.0 |  |  |  | $15.1 |
Power Purchase Agreements | 23.6 |  |  | 23.3 |
Other | 45.2 |  |  | 47.7 |
Total Other Current Liabilities |  | $82.8 |  |  |  | $86.1 |

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
12

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Other Non-Current Liabilities | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Asset Retirement Obligation |  | $136.2 |  |  |  | $131.4 |
Power Purchase Agreements | 131.9 |  |  | 138.1 |
Contingent Consideration (a) | 36.7 |  |  | 36.6 |
Other | 42.3 |  |  | 42.9 |
Total Other Non-Current Liabilities |  | $347.1 |  |  |  | $349.0 |

(a) | Contingent Consideration relates to the estimated fair value of the earnings-based payment resulting from the U.S. Water Services acquisition. (See Note 3. Acquisitions and Note 5. Fair Value.)

Supplemental Statement of Cash Flows Information.

Three Months Ended March 31, | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest – Net of Amounts Capitalized |  | $19.6 |  |  |  | $15.3 |
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes |  | $0.1 |  |  |  | $0.1 |
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities |  |  |  |  |
Decrease in Accounts Payable for Capital Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment | $(25.6) |  | $(32.2)
Capitalized Asset Retirement Costs |  | $3.5 |  |  |  | $1.2 |
AFUDC–Equity |  | $0.9 |  |  |  | $0.9 |
Contingent Consideration | — |  |  |  | $35.7 |

Subsequent Events. The Company performed an evaluation of subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the time of the financial statements issuance.
New Accounting Standards.
Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. In February 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance which changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The new standard affects (1) limited partnerships and similar legal entities, (2) evaluating fees paid to a decision maker or a service provider as a variable interest, (3) the effect of fee arrangements on the primary beneficiary determination, (4) the effect of related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and (5) certain investment funds. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). In May 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The guidance applies to investments for which there is not a readily determinable fair value (market quote) or the investment is in a mutual fund without a publicly available net asset value. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued revised guidance addressing the presentation requirements for debt issuance costs. Under the revised guidance, all costs incurred to issue debt are to be presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2016 resulting in the reclassification of unamortized debt issuance costs from Other Non-Current Assets to Long-Term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The effect of the adoption decreased Total Assets and Total Liabilities on ALLETE's Consolidated Balance Sheet by $12.6 million as of December 31, 2015.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
13

NOTE 1. OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
New Accounting Standards (Continued)
Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which revises the existing guidance for leases. Under the revised guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a “right-of-use” asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. The new standard also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures by lessees and lessors to enable users of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The accounting for leases by lessors and the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows from leases are not expected to significantly change as a result of the updated guidance. The revised guidance is effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the amended lease guidance on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 2. INVESTMENTS
Investments. As of March 31, 2016, the investment portfolio included the legacy real estate assets of ALLETE Properties, debt and equity securities consisting primarily of securities held in other postretirement plans to fund employee benefits, the cash equivalents within these plans, and other assets consisting primarily of land in Minnesota.

Other Investments | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
ALLETE Properties |  | $49.1 |  |  |  | $50.1 |
Available-for-sale Securities (a) | 17.4 |  |  | 18.5 |
Cash Equivalents | 2.5 |  |  | 2.0 |
Other | 3.9 |  |  | 4.0 |
Total Other Investments |  | $72.9 |  |  |  | $74.6 |

(a) | As of March 31, 2016, the aggregate amount of available-for-sale corporate debt securities maturing in one year or less was zero, in one year to less than three years was $1.6 million, in three years to less than five years was $4.1 million, and in five or more years was $4.7 million.

Land Inventory. Land inventory is accounted for as held for use and is recorded at cost, unless the carrying value is determined not to be recoverable in accordance with the accounting standards for property, plant and equipment, in which case the land inventory is written down to estimated fair value. Land values are reviewed for indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis and no impairments were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS
The acquisitions below are consistent with ALLETE’s stated strategy of investing in energy infrastructure and related services businesses to complement its core regulated utility, balance exposure to business cycles and changing demand, and provide potential long-term earnings growth. The pro forma impact of the following acquisitions was not significant, either individually or in the aggregate, to the results of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
2015 Activity.
U.S. Water Services. In February 2015, ALLETE acquired U.S. Water Services. Total consideration for the transaction was $202.3 million, which included payment of $166.6 million in cash and an estimated fair value of earnings-based contingent consideration of $35.7 million, as estimated at the date of acquisition, to be paid through 2019. The contingent consideration is presented within Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Consolidated Statement of Income reflects 100 percent of the results of operations for U.S. Water Services since the acquisition date as the Company has acquired 100 percent of U.S. Water Services.
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price accounting, which was finalized in 2015, is reflected in the following table. Fair value measurements were valued primarily using the discounted cash flow method.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
14

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS (Continued)
2015 Activity (Continued)

Millions |
Assets Acquired |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |  | $0.9 |
Accounts Receivable | 16.8 |
Inventories (a) | 13.4 |
Other Current Assets (b) | 5.3 |
Property, Plant and Equipment | 10.6 |
Intangible Assets (c) | 83.0 |
Goodwill (d) | 122.9 |
Other Non-Current Assets | 0.2 |
Total Assets Acquired |  | $253.1 |
Liabilities Assumed |
Current Liabilities |  | $19.2 |
Non-Current Liabilities | 31.6 |
Total Liabilities Assumed |  | $50.8 |
Net Identifiable Assets Acquired |  | $202.3 |

(a) | Included in Inventories was $2.7 million of fair value adjustments relating to work in progress and finished goods inventories which were recognized as Cost of Sales within one year from the acquisition date.

(b) | Included in Other Current Assets was $1.6 million relating to the fair value of sales backlog. Sales backlog was recognized as Cost of Sales within one year from the acquisition date. Also included in Other Current Assets was restricted cash of $2.1 million relating to cash pledged as collateral for standby letters of credit.

(c) | Intangible Assets include customer relationships, patents, non-compete agreements, and trademarks and trade names. (See Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets.)

(d) | For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in $2.9 million of deductible goodwill.

Acquisition-related costs of $3.0 million after-tax were expensed as incurred during the first quarter of 2015 and recorded in Operating and Maintenance on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Chanarambie/Viking. In April 2015, ALLETE Clean Energy acquired 100 percent of wind energy facilities in southern Minnesota (Chanarambie/Viking) from EDF Renewable Energy, Inc. for $48.0 million.
The facilities have 97.5 MW of generating capability and are located near ALLETE Clean Energy’s Lake Benton facility. The wind energy facilities began commercial operations in 2003 and have PPAs in place for their entire output, which expire in 2018 (12 MW) and 2023 (85.5 MW).
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price accounting, which was finalized in 2015, is reflected in the following table. Fair value measurements were valued primarily using the discounted cash flow method.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
15

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS (Continued)
2015 Activity (Continued)

Millions |
Assets Acquired |
Current Assets |  | $4.8 |
Property, Plant and Equipment | 103.0 |
Other Non-Current Assets (a) | 1.0 |
Total Assets Acquired |  | $108.8 |
Liabilities Assumed |
Current Liabilities (b) |  | $6.7 |
Power Purchase Agreements | 49.0 |
Non-Current Liabilities | 5.1 |
Total Liabilities Assumed |  | $60.8 |
Net Identifiable Assets Acquired |  | $48.0 |

(a) | Included in Other Non-Current Assets was $0.3 million of goodwill. For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in no allocation to goodwill.

(b) | Current Liabilities included $5.9 million related to the current portion of Power Purchase Agreements.

Acquisition-related costs of $0.2 million after-tax were expensed as incurred during the second quarter of 2015 and recorded in Operating and Maintenance on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
Armenia Mountain. In July 2015, ALLETE Clean Energy acquired 100 percent of a wind energy facility located near Troy, Pennsylvania (Armenia Mountain) from The AES Corporation (AES) and a minority shareholder for $111.1 million, plus the assumption of existing debt.
The facility has 100.5 MW of generating capability, began commercial operations in 2009, and has PPAs in place for its entire output, which expire in 2024.
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price accounting, which was finalized in 2015, is reflected in the following table. Fair value measurements were valued primarily using the discounted cash flow method.

Millions |
Assets Acquired |
Current Assets (a) | $9.0
Property, Plant and Equipment | 156.2 |
Other Non-Current Assets (b) | 14.4 |
Total Assets Acquired |  | $179.6 |
Liabilities Assumed |
Current Liabilities |  | $2.9 |
Long-Term Debt Due Within One Year | 5.9 |
Long-Term Debt | 55.0 |
Other Non-Current Liabilities | 4.7 |
Total Liabilities Assumed | $68.5
Net Identifiable Assets Acquired |  | $111.1 |

(a) | Included in Current Assets was $1.0 million related to the current portion of Power Purchase Agreements and $6.0 million of restricted cash related to collateral deposits required under its loan agreement.

(b) | Included in Other Non-Current Assets was $8.2 million related to the non-current portion of Power Purchase Agreements, $6.1 million of restricted cash related to collateral deposits required under its loan agreements, and an immaterial amount of goodwill. For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in no allocation to goodwill.

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
16

NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS (Continued)
2015 Activity (Continued)
Acquisition-related costs of $1.6 million after-tax were expensed as incurred throughout the second and third quarters of 2015, and recorded in Operating and Maintenance on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
A and W Technologies. In November 2015, U.S. Water Services acquired 100 percent of A and W Technologies, Inc. (AWT). Total consideration for the transaction was $9.3 million, which included payment of $8.3 million in cash and a $1.0 million payment due in April 2017. AWT, similar to U.S. Water Services, is an integrated water management company and was acquired to expand U.S. Water Services’ regional footprint in the Southeastern United States.
The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and the purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price accounting, which was finalized in 2015, is reflected in the following table. Fair value measurements were valued primarily using the discounted cash flow method.

Millions |
Assets Acquired |
Current Assets | $1.0
Property, Plant and Equipment | 0.1
Intangible Assets (a) | 3.9 |
Goodwill (b) | 4.4 |
Total Assets Acquired |  | $9.4 |
Liabilities Assumed |
Current Liabilities |  | $0.1 |
Total Liabilities Assumed | $0.1
Net Identifiable Assets Acquired |  | $9.3 |

(a) | Intangible Assets include customer relationships and non-compete agreements. (See Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets.)

(b) | For tax purposes, the purchase price allocation resulted in $4.4 million of deductible goodwill.

Acquisition-related costs were immaterial, expensed as incurred during the fourth quarter of 2015 and recorded in Operating and Maintenance on the Consolidated Statement of Income.
NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The aggregate carrying amount of goodwill was $130.6 million as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. There have been no changes to goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Balances of intangible assets, net, excluding goodwill as of March 31, 2016, are as follows:

| December 31, 2015 |  |  | Amortization |  | March 31, 2016 |
Millions |  |  |  |  |
Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |
Customer Relationships | $60.8 |  | $(1.1) |  |  | $59.7 |
Developed Technology and Other (a) | 7.2 |  | (0.2) |  | 7.0 |
Total Definite-Lived Intangible Assets | 68.0 |  |  | (1.3) |  | 66.7 |
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |
Trademarks and Trade Names | 16.6 |  |  | n/a |  | 16.6 |
Total Intangible Assets |  | $84.6 |  |  | $(1.3) |  |  | $83.3 |

(a) | Developed Technology and Other includes patents, non-compete agreements, and land easements.

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
17

NOTE 4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued)
Customer relationships have a remaining useful life of approximately 22 years and developed technology and other have remaining useful lives ranging from approximately 3 years to approximately 13 years (weighted average of approximately 9 years). The weighted average remaining useful life of all definite-lived intangible assets as of March 31, 2016, is approximately 20 years.
Amortization expense of intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $1.3 million. Accumulated amortization was $5.4 million as of March 31, 2016 ($4.1 million as of December 31, 2015). The estimated amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of 2016 is $3.8 million. Estimated annual amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets is $5.0 million in 2017, $4.7 million in 2018, $4.4 million in 2019, $4.2 million in 2020 and $44.6 million thereafter.
NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. These inputs, which are used to measure fair value, are prioritized through the fair value hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). Descriptions of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy are discussed in Note 10. Fair Value to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Form 10-K.
The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. Each asset and liability is classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of these assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The estimated fair value of Cash and Cash Equivalents listed on the Consolidated Balance Sheet approximates the carrying amount and therefore is excluded from the recurring fair value measures in the following tables.

| Fair Value as of March 31, 2016
Recurring Fair Value Measures | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |
Millions |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments (a) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Available-for-sale – Equity Securities |  | $7.0 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  | $7.0 |
Available-for-sale – Corporate Debt Securities | — |  |  |  | $10.4 |  |  | — |  |  | 10.4 |
Cash Equivalents | 2.5 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2.5 |
Total Fair Value of Assets |  | $9.5 |  |  |  | $10.4 |  |  | — |  |  |  | $19.9 |
Liabilities (b) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Compensation | — |  |  |  | $14.9 |  |  | — |  |  |  | $14.9 |
U.S. Water Services Contingent Consideration | — |  |  | — |  |  |  | $36.7 |  |  | 36.7 |
Total Fair Value of Liabilities | — |  |  |  | $14.9 |  |  |  | $36.7 |  |  |  | $51.6 |
Total Net Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) |  | $9.5 |  |  | $(4.5) |  | $(36.7) |  | $(31.7)

(a) | Included in Other Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b) | Included in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
18

NOTE 5. FAIR VALUE (Continued)

| Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
Recurring Fair Value Measures | Level 1 |  |  | Level 2 |  |  | Level 3 |  |  | Total |
Millions |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments (a) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Available-for-sale – Equity Securities |  | $7.6 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  |  | $7.6 |
Available-for-sale – Corporate Debt Securities | — |  |  |  | $10.9 |  |  | — |  |  | 10.9 |
Cash Equivalents | 2.0 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2.0 |
Total Fair Value of Assets |  | $9.6 |  |  |  | $10.9 |  |  | — |  |  |  | $20.5 |
Liabilities (b) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred Compensation | — |  |  |  | $16.1 |  |  | — |  |  |  | $16.1 |
U.S. Water Services Contingent Consideration | — |  |  | — |  |  |  | $36.6 |  |  | 36.6 |
Total Fair Value of Liabilities | — |  |  |  | $16.1 |  |  |  | $36.6 |  |  |  | $52.7 |
Total Net Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) |  | $9.6 |  |  | $(5.2) |  | $(36.6) |  | $(32.2)

(a) | Included in Other Investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b) | Included in Other Non-Current Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Level 3 activity in the preceding tables is the result of the February 2015 acquisition of U.S. Water Services. Changes in the fair value of U.S. Water Services’ Contingent Consideration for the three months ended March 31, 2016, are primarily due to accretion expense.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. With the exception of the item listed in the table below, the estimated fair value of all financial instruments approximates the carrying amount. The fair value for the item listed below was based on quoted market prices for the same or similar instruments (Level 2).

Financial Instruments | Carrying Amount |  | Fair Value
Millions |  |  |
Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion |  |  |
March 31, 2016 | $1,578.4 |  | $1,708.0
December 31, 2015 | $1,605.0 |  | $1,676.0

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. Non-financial assets such as equity method investments, goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2015, there were no indicators of impairment for these non-financial assets.
NOTE 6. REGULATORY MATTERS
Regulatory matters are summarized in Note 5. Regulatory Matters to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Electric Rates. Entities within our Regulated Operations segment file for periodic rate revisions with the MPUC, the FERC or the PSCW.
2010 Minnesota Rate Case. Minnesota Power’s current retail rates are based on a 2011 MPUC retail rate order, effective June 1, 2011, that allows for a 10.38 percent return on common equity and a 54.29 percent equity ratio. Subsequent to this order, and as authorized by the MPUC, Minnesota Power also recognizes revenue under cost recovery riders for environmental, renewable and transmission investments. (See Transmission Cost Recovery Rider, Renewable Cost Recovery Rider and Boswell Mercury Emissions Reduction Plan.) Revenue from cost recovery riders was $25.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($20.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015).
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
19

NOTE 6. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Energy-Intensive Trade-Exposed (EITE) Customer Rates. The state of Minnesota enacted an EITE customer ratemaking law in June 2015. The law established that it is the energy policy of the state to have competitive rates for certain industries such as mining and forest products. In November 2015, Minnesota Power filed a rate schedule petition for EITE customers and a corresponding rider for EITE cost recovery with the MPUC. The rate proposal was revenue and cash flow neutral. In an order dated March 23, 2016, the MPUC dismissed the petition without prejudice, providing Minnesota Power the option to refile the petition with additional information or file a new petition. Minnesota Power is evaluating the MPUC’s decision.
FERC-Approved Wholesale Rates. Minnesota Power has 16 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power.
In April 2015, Minnesota Power amended its formula-based wholesale electric sales contract with the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission, extending the term through June 30, 2028. The electric service agreements with SWL&P and one other municipal customer are effective through June 30, 2019. The rates included in these three contracts are set each July 1 based on a cost-based formula methodology, using estimated costs and a rate of return that is equal to Minnesota Power’s authorized rate of return for Minnesota retail customers (currently 10.38 percent). The formula-based rate methodology also provides for a yearly true-up calculation for actual costs incurred.
In September 2015, Minnesota Power amended its wholesale electric contracts with 14 municipal customers, extending the contract terms through December 31, 2024. These contracts include fixed capacity charges through 2018; beginning in 2019, the capacity charge will not increase by more than two percent or decrease by more than one percent from the previous year’s capacity charge and will be determined using a cost-based formula methodology. The base energy charge for each year of the contract term will be set each January 1, subject to monthly adjustment, and will also be determined using a cost-based formula methodology.
All of the wholesale contracts include a termination clause requiring a three-year notice to terminate. In January 2016, one of Minnesota Power’s municipal customers provided notice of its intent to terminate its contract effective June 30, 2019. Minnesota Power currently provides approximately 29 MW of average monthly demand to this customer. Under the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission agreement, no termination notice may be given prior to June 30, 2025. Under the agreement with SWL&P, no termination notice may be given prior to June 30, 2016. The remaining 14 municipal customers may not give termination notices prior to December 31, 2021.
2012 Wisconsin Rate Case. SWL&P’s current retail rates are based on a 2012 PSCW retail rate order, effective January 1, 2013, that allows for a 10.9 percent return on common equity.
Transmission Cost Recovery Rider. Minnesota Power has an approved cost recovery rider in place for certain transmission investments and expenditures. In an order dated February 3, 2016, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s updated billing factor which allows Minnesota Power to charge retail customers on a current basis for the costs of constructing certain transmission facilities plus a return on the capital invested. As a result of the MPUC approval of the certificate of need for the GNTL in June 2015, the project is eligible for cost recovery under the existing transmission cost recovery rider. Minnesota Power anticipates including its portion of the investments and expenditures for the GNTL in future transmission factor filings to include updated billing rates on customer bills.
Renewable Cost Recovery Rider. Minnesota Power has an approved cost recovery rider in place for investments and expenditures related to the 497 MW Bison Wind Energy Center in North Dakota and the restoration and repair of Thomson. Updated customer billing rates for the renewable cost recovery rider were approved by the MPUC in an order dated March 9, 2016, allowing Minnesota Power to charge retail customers on a current basis for the costs of constructing certain renewable investments plus a return on the capital invested. While approving the updated customer billing rates for the renewable cost recovery rider, the MPUC also allowed Minnesota Power additional time to submit support for its position on its utilization of North Dakota investment tax credits.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
20

NOTE 6. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Minnesota Power accounts for North Dakota investment tax credits based on long-standing regulatory precedents of stand-alone allocation methodology of accounting for income taxes. The stand-alone method provides that income taxes (and credits) are calculated as if Minnesota Power was the only entity included in ALLETE’s consolidated federal and unitary state income tax returns. Minnesota Power has recorded a regulatory liability for North Dakota investment tax credits generated by its jurisdictional activity and expected to be realized in the future. North Dakota investment tax credits attributable to ALLETE’s apportionment and income of ALLETE’s other subsidiaries are included in the ALLETE consolidated group. The Minnesota Department of Commerce (Department) has inquired about our use of the North Dakota investment tax credits, taking the position that all North Dakota investment tax credits generated from the Bison Wind Energy Center should be credited to Minnesota Power ratepayers. The MPUC did not come to a decision on this issue in its order dated March 9, 2016, but requested that Minnesota Power provide further support on its position which was submitted on April 8, 2016.
The amount of North Dakota investment tax credits recognized by ALLETE as of March 31, 2016, total approximately $8 million, which represents the amount of North Dakota investment tax credits that the Department believes should be refunded to ratepayers. Minnesota Power will appropriately consider all avenues of appeal should an adverse decision be issued by the MPUC.
Annual Automatic Adjustment (AAA) of Charges. On April 14, 2016, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s AAA filings made in 2012 and 2013, and deferred action for approximately 90 days on the AAA filing made in 2014 pending review and confirmation of coal transportation costs and terms of service. Minnesota Power’s AAA filings made in 2014 and 2015 are pending MPUC approval, and represent approximately $350 million in retail fuel cost recovery collected, but subject to refund. Minnesota Power currently expects full recovery of amounts represented by each AAA filing, although we cannot predict the outcome of the pending filings at the MPUC.
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). In a November 2013 order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s 2013 IRP which detailed its EnergyForward strategic plan, announced in January 2013. Significant elements of the EnergyForward plan include major wind investments in North Dakota completed in the fourth quarter of 2014, the installation of emissions control technology at Boswell Unit 4 completed in December 2015, planning for the proposed GNTL, the conversion of Laskin from coal to natural gas completed in June 2015 and the retirement of Taconite Harbor Unit 3 completed in May 2015. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed its 2015 IRP with the MPUC which includes an analysis of a variety of existing and future energy resource alternatives and a projection of customer cost impact by class. The 2015 IRP also contains the next steps in Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward plan including the economic idling of Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 in the fall of 2016, the ceasing of coal-fired operations at Taconite Harbor in 2020, and the addition of between 200 MW and 300 MW of natural gas-fired generation in the next decade.
Boswell Mercury Emissions Reduction Plan. Minnesota Power has an approved environmental improvement rider in place for investments and expenditures related to the implementation of the Boswell Unit 4 mercury emissions reduction plan completed in 2015. Customer billing rates for the environmental improvement rider were approved by the MPUC in August 2015. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed an updated environmental improvement factor filing which included updated costs associated with Boswell Unit 4. Upon approval of the filing, Minnesota Power will be authorized to include updated billing rates on customer bills.
Boswell Remaining Life Petition. In November 2015, Minnesota Power filed a petition with the MPUC for approval to extend Boswell’s remaining life to 2050 for all units and utilize the existing environmental improvement rider to credit a portion of the depreciation expense savings to customers. The extension request is based on the significant multi-emissions retrofit work done at Boswell Unit 3 and Boswell Unit 4.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
21

NOTE 6. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)
Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL). Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro have proposed construction of the GNTL, an approximately 220-mile 500 kV transmission line between Manitoba and Minnesota’s Iron Range. The GNTL is subject to various federal and state regulatory approvals. In October 2013, a certificate of need application was filed with the MPUC which was approved in a June 2015 order. Based on this order, Minnesota Power’s portion of the investments and expenditures for the project are eligible for cost recovery under its existing transmission cost recovery rider and are anticipated to be included in future transmission factor filings. In a December 2015 order, the FERC approved our request to recover on construction work in progress related to the GNTL from Minnesota Power’s wholesale customers. In April 2014, Minnesota Power filed a route permit application with the MPUC and a request for a presidential permit to cross the U.S.-Canadian border with the U.S. Department of Energy. In an order dated April 11, 2016, the MPUC approved the route permit which largely follows Minnesota Power’s preferred route, including the international border crossing. A final decision on the presidential permit by the U.S. Department of Energy is expected in the second quarter of 2016. Manitoba Hydro must also obtain regulatory and governmental approvals related to a new transmission line in Canada. In September 2015, Manitoba Hydro submitted the final preferred route and EIS for the transmission line in Canada to the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship for regulatory approval. Construction of Manitoba Hydro’s hydroelectric generation facility commenced in 2014. Upon receipt of all applicable permits and approvals, construction of the GNTL is expected to begin by 2017 and to be completed in 2020.
MISO Return on Equity Complaints. In November 2013, several customer groups located within the MISO service area filed complaints with the FERC requesting, among other things, a reduction in the base return on equity used by MISO transmission owners, including ALLETE, to 9.15 percent. In February 2015, an additional complaint was filed with the FERC seeking an order to further reduce the base return on equity to 8.67 percent. In December 2015, a federal administrative law judge ruled that the MISO transmission users have been charged an unreasonable base return on equity and proposed a reduction to 10.32 percent, subject to approval or adjustment by the FERC. A final decision from the FERC on the administrative law judge’s recommendation is expected in 2016.
Minnesota Solar Energy Standard. In May 2013, legislation was enacted by the state of Minnesota requiring at least 1.5 percent of total retail electric sales, excluding sales to certain industrial customers, to be generated by solar energy by the end of 2020. At least 10 percent of the 1.5 percent mandate must be met by solar energy generated by or procured from solar photovoltaic devices with a nameplate capacity of 20 kilowatts or less. Minnesota Power has two solar projects under development. In August 2015, Minnesota Power filed for MPUC approval of a 10 MW utility scale solar project at Camp Ripley, a Minnesota Army National Guard base and training facility near Little Falls, Minnesota. In an order dated February 24, 2016, the MPUC approved the Camp Ripley solar project as eligible to meet the solar energy standard and for current cost recovery, subject to certain compliance requirements. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed for MPUC approval of a 1 MW community solar garden project in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, to be owned and operated by a third party with the output purchased by Minnesota Power. If the community solar garden project is also approved, Minnesota Power believes these projects will meet approximately one-third of the overall mandate and approximately one-fourth of the mandate related to solar photovoltaic devices with a nameplate capacity of 20 kilowatts or less. Costs associated with these projects are expected to be recovered from customers.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities. Our regulated utility operations are subject to accounting guidance for the effect of certain types of regulation. Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred as they are probable for recovery in customer rates. Regulatory liabilities represent obligations to make refunds to customers and amounts collected in rates for which the related costs have not yet been incurred. The Company assesses quarterly whether regulatory assets and liabilities meet the criteria for probability of future recovery or deferral. No regulatory assets or liabilities are currently earning a return. The recovery, refund or credit to rates for these regulatory assets and liabilities will occur over the periods either specified by the applicable regulatory authority or over the corresponding period related to the asset or liability.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
22

NOTE 6. REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities | March 31, 2016 |  |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Current Regulatory Assets (a) |  |  |
Deferred Fuel Adjustment Clause |  | $12.4 |  |  |  | $10.6 |
Total Current Regulatory Assets | 12.4 |  |  | 10.6 |
Non-Current Regulatory Assets |  |  |
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (b) | 217.0 |  |  | 219.3 |
Income Taxes (c) | 64.4 |  |  | 64.2 |
Cost Recovery Riders (d) | 54.3 |  |  | 58.0 |
Asset Retirement Obligations (e) | 22.5 |  |  | 21.6 |
PPACA Income Tax Deferral | 5.0 |  |  | 5.0 |
Other | 3.9 |  |  | 3.9 |
Total Non-Current Regulatory Assets | 367.1 |  |  | 372.0 |
Total Regulatory Assets |  | $379.5 |  |  |  | $382.6 |
Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities |  |  |
Wholesale and Retail Contra AFUDC (f) |  | $57.1 |  |  |  | $58.0 |
Plant Removal Obligations | 20.6 |  |  | 22.1 |
Income Taxes (c) | 5.7 |  |  | 6.1 |
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans (b) | 0.4 |  |  | 0.9 |
Other | 18.4 |  |  | 17.9 |
Total Non-Current Regulatory Liabilities |  | $102.2 |  |  |  | $105.0 |

(a) | Current regulatory assets are included in Prepayments and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(b) | Defined benefit pension and other postretirement items included in our Regulated Operations, which are otherwise required to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as actuarial gains and losses as well as prior service costs and credits, are recognized as regulatory assets or regulatory liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The asset or liability will decrease as the deferred items are amortized and recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. (See Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)

(c) | These assets and liabilities are offsets to deferred income taxes recognized on certain regulatory temporary differences, which will reverse over the remaining lives of those temporary differences.

(d) | The cost recovery rider regulatory assets are revenues not yet collected from our customers primarily due to capital expenditures related to the Bison Wind Energy Center, investment in CapX2020 projects, and the Boswell Unit 4 environmental upgrade and are recognized in accordance with the accounting standards for alternative revenue programs. The cost recovery rider regulatory assets as of March 31, 2016, will be recovered over the next two years.

(e) | Asset retirement obligations will accrete and be amortized over the lives of the related property with asset retirement obligations.

(f) | Wholesale and Retail Contra AFUDC represents the regulatory offset to AFUDC Equity and Debt recorded during the construction period of our cost recovery rider projects prior to placing the projects in service. The regulatory liability will decrease over the remaining depreciable life of the related asset.

NOTE 7. INVESTMENT IN ATC
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ALLETE Transmission Holdings, owns approximately 8 percent of ATC, a Wisconsin-based utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. We account for our investment in ATC under the equity method of accounting. As of March 31, 2016, our equity investment in ATC was $128.6 million ($124.5 million at December 31, 2015). In the first three months of 2016, we invested $1.2 million in ATC, and on April 29, 2016, we invested an additional $0.4 million. We expect to make additional investments of approximately $4.6 million in 2016.

ALLETE’s Investment in ATC |
Millions |
Equity Investment Balance as of December 31, 2015 |  | $124.5 |
Cash Investments | 1.2 |
Equity in ATC Earnings | 4.8 |
Distributed ATC Earnings | (1.9 | )
Equity Investment Balance as of March 31, 2016 |  | $128.6 |

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
23

NOTE 8. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT

March 31, 2016 | Principal |  |  | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs |  | Total |
Millions |  |  |  |  |
Short-Term Debt (a) |  | $16.1 |  |  | $(0.6) |  |  | $15.5 |
Long-Term Debt | 1,563.0 |  |  | (11.7) |  | 1,551.3 |
Total Debt |  | $1,579.1 |  |  | $(12.3) |  |  | $1,566.8 |

(a) | Consisted of long-term debt due within one year and notes payable.

December 31, 2015 | Principal |  |  | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs |  | Total |
Millions |  |  |  |  |
Short-Term Debt (a) |  | $37.9 |  |  | $(0.6) |  |  | $37.3 |
Long-Term Debt | 1,568.7 |  |  | (12.0) |  | 1,556.7 |
Total Debt |  | $1,606.6 |  |  | $(12.6) |  |  | $1,594.0 |

(a) | Consisted of long-term debt due within one year and notes payable.

No long-term debt was issued in the first three months of 2016.
Financial Covenants. Our long-term debt arrangements contain customary covenants. In addition, our lines of credit and letters of credit supporting certain long-term debt arrangements contain financial covenants. Our compliance with financial covenants is not dependent on debt ratings. The most restrictive financial covenant requires ALLETE to maintain a ratio of indebtedness to total capitalization (as the amounts are calculated in accordance with the respective long-term debt arrangements) of less than or equal to 0.65 to 1.00, measured quarterly. As of March 31, 2016, our ratio was approximately 0.46 to 1.00. Failure to meet this covenant would give rise to an event of default if not cured after notice from the lender, in which event ALLETE may need to pursue alternative sources of funding. Some of ALLETE’s debt arrangements contain “cross-default” provisions that would result in an event of default if there is a failure under other financing arrangements to meet payment terms or to observe other covenants that would result in an acceleration of payments due. As of March 31, 2016, ALLETE was in compliance with its financial covenants.
NOTE 9. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

|  | Three Months Ended
|  | March 31,
|  | 2016 |  | 2015
Millions |  |  |  |
Current Tax Expense (a) |  |  |  |
Federal |  | — |  |  | — |
State |  |  | $0.1 |  |  | $0.1
Total Current Tax Expense |  |  | $0.1 |  |  | $0.1
Deferred Tax Expense (Benefit) |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $4.6 |  |  | $4.8 |
State |  | 4.8 |  |  | 1.5 |
Investment Tax Credit Amortization |  | (0.2 | ) |  | (0.2 | )
Total Deferred Tax Expense |  | $9.2 |  |  | $6.1 |
Total Income Tax Expense |  | $9.3 |  |  | $6.2 |

(a) | For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the federal and state current tax expense was minimal due to NOLs which resulted from the bonus depreciation provisions of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

The Company's tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of its annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in that quarter. In each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate, and if the estimated annual effective tax rate changes, the Company would make a cumulative adjustment in that quarter.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
24

NOTE 9. INCOME TAX EXPENSE (Continued)

Reconciliation of Taxes from Federal Statutory |  |
Rate to Total Income Tax Expense |  |
Three Months Ended March 31 | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Millions |  |
Income Before Non-Controlling Interest and Income Taxes |  | $55.7 |  |  | $46.3 |
Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate | 35 | % | 35 | %
Income Taxes Computed at 35 percent Statutory Federal Rate | 19.5 |  | 16.2 |
Increase (Decrease) in Tax Due to: |  |
State Income Taxes – Net of Federal Income Tax Benefit | 3.2 |  | 1.0 |
Production Tax Credits | (13.9 | ) | (12.8 | )
Regulatory Differences for Utility Plant | (0.1 | ) | (0.4 | )
Other | 0.6 |  | 2.2 |
Total Income Tax Expense |  | $9.3 |  |  | $6.2 |

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the effective tax rate was 16.7 percent (13.4 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2015).
Uncertain Tax Positions. As of March 31, 2016, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.3 million ($2.4 million as of December 31, 2015). Of the total gross unrecognized tax benefits, $0.6 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate. The unrecognized tax benefit amounts have been presented as reductions to the tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
ALLETE and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return as well as combined and separate state income tax returns in various jurisdictions. ALLETE is no longer subject to federal or state examination for years before 2012.
NOTE 10. RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in shareholders’ equity during a period from transactions and events from non-owner sources, including net income. The amounts recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss include unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, defined benefit pension and other postretirement items, consisting of deferred actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits, and gains and losses on derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges.
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the Company were not material. See Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans regarding the reclassification of a portion of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the Company’s benefit plans during the year. Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016, are presented on the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity.
NOTE 11. EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMMON STOCK
We compute basic earnings per share using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The difference between basic and diluted earnings per share, if any, arises from outstanding stock options, non-vested restricted stock units, performance share awards granted under our Executive Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan and common shares under the forward sale agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, no options to purchase shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
25

NOTE 11. EARNINGS PER SHARE AND COMMON STOCK (Continued)

|  |  | 2016 |  |  |  |  |  | 2015 |  |
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted |  |  | Dilutive |  |  |  |  |  | Dilutive |  |
Earnings Per Share | Basic |  | Securities |  | Diluted |  | Basic |  | Securities |  | Diluted
Millions Except Per Share Amounts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Three months ended March 31, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |  | $45.9 |  |  |  |  |  | $45.9 |  |  |  | $39.9 |  |  |  |  |  | $39.9 |
Average Common Shares | 49.2 |  |  | — |  |  | 49.2 |  |  | 46.9 |  |  | 0.2 |  |  | 47.1 |
Earnings Per Share |  | $0.93 |  |  |  |  |  | $0.93 |  |  |  | $0.85 |  |  |  |  |  | $0.85 |

NOTE 12. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

| Pension |  | Other Postretirement
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income) | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2016 |  | 2015
Millions |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Three Months Ended March 31, |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service Cost |  | $2.0 |  |  |  | $2.5 |  |  |  | $1.0 |  |  |  | $1.1 |
Interest Cost | 8.1 |  |  | 7.5 |  |  | 1.9 |  |  | 1.8 |
Expected Return on Plan Assets | (10.6 | ) |  | (10.2 | ) |  | (2.8 | ) |  | (2.7 | )
Amortization of Prior Service Credits | — |  |  | — |  |  | (0.7 | ) |  | (0.8 | )
Amortization of Net Loss | 2.4 |  |  | 4.5 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.1 |
Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income) |  | $1.9 |  |  |  | $4.3 |  |  | $(0.6) |  | $(0.5)

Employer Contributions. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, no contributions were made to our defined benefit pension plan; we expect to make $2.0 million in contributions to our defined benefit pension plan in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we made no contributions to our other postretirement benefit plan; we do not expect to make any contributions to our other postretirement benefit plan in 2016.
NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
Power Purchase Agreements. Our long-term PPAs have been evaluated under the accounting guidance for variable interest entities. We have determined that either we have no variable interest in the PPAs or, where we do have variable interests, we are not the primary beneficiary; therefore, consolidation is not required. These conclusions are based on the fact that we do not have both control over activities that are most significant to the entity and an obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity’s performance. Our financial exposure relating to these PPAs is limited to our capacity and energy payments.
Our power purchase agreements are summarized in Note 12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Square Butte PPA. Minnesota Power has a PPA with Square Butte, a North Dakota cooperative corporation, that extends through 2026 (Agreement). Minnesota Power is obligated to pay its pro rata share of Square Butte’s costs based on its entitlement to the output of Square Butte’s 455 MW coal-fired generating unit. Minnesota Power’s output entitlement under the Agreement is 50 percent for the remainder of the Agreement, subject to the provisions of the Minnkota Power sales agreement described below. Square Butte’s costs consist primarily of debt service, operating and maintenance, depreciation and fuel expenses. As of March 31, 2016, Square Butte had total debt outstanding of $363.5 million. Fuel expenses are recoverable through Minnesota Power’s fuel adjustment clause and include the cost of coal purchased from BNI Energy under a long-term contract.
Minnesota Power’s cost of power purchased from Square Butte during the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $18.5 million ($19.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015). This reflects Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of total Square Butte costs based on the 50 percent output entitlement. Included in this amount was Minnesota Power’s pro rata share of interest expense of $2.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015). Minnesota Power’s payments to Square Butte are approved as a purchased power expense for ratemaking purposes by both the MPUC and the FERC.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
26

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Power Purchase Agreements (Continued)
Minnkota Power Sales Agreement. Minnesota Power has a power sales agreement with Minnkota Power, which commenced June 1, 2014. Under the power sales agreement, Minnesota Power is selling a portion of its entitlement from Square Butte to Minnkota Power, resulting in Minnkota Power’s net entitlement increasing and Minnesota Power’s net entitlement decreasing until Minnesota Power’s share is eliminated at the end of 2025. Of Minnesota Power’s 50 percent output entitlement, it sold to Minnkota Power approximately 28 percent in 2016 and in 2015.
Coal, Rail and Shipping Contracts. Minnesota Power has coal supply agreements providing for the purchase of a significant portion of its coal requirements through December 2016 and a portion of its coal requirements through December 2019. Minnesota Power also has coal transportation agreements in place for the delivery of a significant portion of its coal requirements through December 2018. The minimum annual payment obligation under these supply and transportation agreements is $24.9 million for the remainder of 2016, $26.3 million in 2017, $27.0 million in 2018 and $1.8 million in 2019. The delivered costs of fuel for Minnesota Power’s generation are recoverable from Minnesota Power’s utility customers through the fuel adjustment clause.
Leasing Agreements. BNI Energy is obligated to make lease payments for a dragline totaling $2.8 million annually for the lease term, which expires in 2027. BNI Energy has the option at the end of the lease term to renew the lease at fair market value, to purchase the dragline at fair market value, or to surrender the dragline and pay a $3.0 million termination fee. We also lease other properties and equipment under operating lease agreements with terms expiring through 2022. The aggregate amount of minimum lease payments for all operating leases is $14.0 million in 2016, $12.6 million in 2017, $11.1 million in 2018, $9.9 million in 2019, $6.9 million in 2020 and $23.2 million thereafter.
Transmission. We continue to make investments in transmission opportunities that strengthen or enhance the transmission grid or take advantage of our geographical location between sources of renewable energy and end users. These include the GNTL, investments to enhance our own transmission facilities, investments in other transmission assets (individually or in combination with others), and our investment in ATC.
Our transmission investments are summarized in Note 12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure provided in the following paragraphs.
Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL). As a condition of the long-term PPA signed in May 2011 with Manitoba Hydro, construction of additional transmission capacity is required. As a result, Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro proposed construction of the GNTL, an approximately 220-mile 500 kV transmission line between Manitoba and Minnesota’s Iron Range in order to strengthen the electric grid, enhance regional reliability and promote a greater exchange of sustainable energy.
The GNTL is subject to various federal and state regulatory approvals. In October 2013, a certificate of need application was filed with the MPUC which was approved in a June 2015 order. Based on this order, Minnesota Power’s portion of the investments and expenditures for the project are eligible for cost recovery under its existing transmission cost recovery rider and are anticipated to be included in future transmission factor filings. (See Note 6. Regulatory Matters.) In a December 2015 order, the FERC approved our request to recover on construction work in progress related to the GNTL from Minnesota Power’s wholesale customers. In April 2014, Minnesota Power filed a route permit application with the MPUC and a request for a presidential permit to cross the U.S.-Canadian border with the U.S. Department of Energy. In an order dated April 11, 2016, the MPUC approved the route permit which largely follows Minnesota Power’s preferred route, including the international border crossing. A final decision on the presidential permit by the U.S. Department of Energy is expected in the second quarter of 2016. Manitoba Hydro must also obtain regulatory and governmental approvals related to a new transmission line in Canada. In September 2015, Manitoba Hydro submitted the final preferred route and EIS for the transmission line in Canada to the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship for regulatory approval. Construction of Manitoba Hydro’s hydroelectric generation facility commenced in 2014. Upon receipt of all applicable permits and approvals, construction of the GNTL is expected to begin by 2017 and to be completed in 2020. Total project cost in the U.S., including substation work, is estimated to be between $560 million and $710 million. Minnesota Power is expected to have majority ownership of the transmission line.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
27

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters.
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. A number of regulatory changes to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and various waste management requirements have recently been promulgated by both the EPA and state authorities. Minnesota Power’s facilities are subject to additional regulation under many of these regulations. In response to these regulations, Minnesota Power is reshaping its generation portfolio over time to reduce its reliance on coal, has installed cost-effective emission control technology, and advocates for sound science and policy during rulemaking implementation.
We consider our businesses to be in substantial compliance with currently applicable environmental regulations and believe all necessary permits to conduct such operations have been obtained. We anticipate that with many state and federal environmental regulations finalized, or to be finalized in the near future, potential expenditures for future environmental matters may be material and may require significant capital investments. Minnesota Power has evaluated various environmental compliance scenarios using possible outcomes of environmental regulations to project power supply trends and impacts on customers.
We review environmental matters on a quarterly basis. Accruals for environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on current law and existing technologies. Accruals are adjusted as assessment and remediation efforts progress or as additional technical or legal information becomes available. Accruals for environmental liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at undiscounted amounts and exclude claims for recoveries from insurance or other third parties. Costs related to environmental contamination treatment and cleanup are charged to expense unless recoverable in rates from customers.
Air. The electric utility industry is regulated both at the federal and state level to address air emissions. Minnesota Power’s generating facilities mainly burn low-sulfur western sub-bituminous coal. All of Minnesota Power’s coal-fired generating facilities are equipped with pollution control equipment such as scrubbers, baghouses and low NO X technologies. Under currently applicable environmental regulations, these facilities are substantially compliant with applicable emission requirements.
New Source Review (NSR). In August 2008, Minnesota Power received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the EPA asserting violations of the NSR requirements of the Clean Air Act at Boswell and Laskin Unit 2 between the years of 1981 and 2001. Minnesota Power received an additional NOV in April 2011 alleging that two projects undertaken at Rapids Energy Center in 2004 and 2005 should have been reviewed under the NSR requirements and that the Rapids Energy Center’s Title V permit was violated. Minnesota Power reached a settlement with the EPA regarding these NOVs and entered into a Consent Decree which was approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota (Court) in September 2014. The Consent Decree provided for, among other requirements, more stringent emissions limits at all affected units, the option of refueling, retrofits or retirements at certain small coal units, and the addition of 200 MW of wind energy. Provisions of the Consent Decree require that, by no later than December 31, 2018, Boswell Units 1 and 2 must be retired, refueled, repowered, or emissions rerouted through existing emission control technology at Boswell. Minnesota Power estimates that if the units are not retired, capital expenditures could range between $20 million and $40 million. Minnesota Power’s 2015 IRP filed with the MPUC on September 1, 2015, outlined Minnesota Power’s preferred option to reroute emissions from Boswell Units 1 and 2 through existing emission control technology at Boswell Unit 3. We are required to notify the EPA no later than December 31, 2016, whether we will retire, refuel, repower or reroute Boswell Units 1 and 2. We believe that future capital expenditures or costs to retire would likely be eligible for recovery in rates over time subject to regulatory approval in a rate proceeding.
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). In April 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion reversing an August 2012 U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision that had vacated the CSAPR. The EPA filed a motion with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in June 2014, to have the stay of CSAPR lifted and the CSAPR compliance deadlines tolled by three years. In October 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit granted the EPA's motion, allowing the first compliance period, Phase I, to begin on January 1, 2015, with Phase II beginning in 2017.
CSAPR requires a total of 28 states in the eastern half of the United States, including Minnesota, to reduce power plant emissions that contribute to ozone or fine particulate pollution in other states. CSAPR does not require installation of controls; rather it requires that facilities have sufficient allowances to cover their emissions on an annual basis. These allowances are allocated to facilities from each state’s annual budget and can be bought and sold.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
28

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
In December 2014, the EPA distributed the CSAPR allowances to CSAPR-subject units for the Phase I years (2015 and 2016). Phase II allowances (2017-2020) have not been distributed. Based on our initial accounting of the NO x and SO 2 Phase I allowances already issued, and our review of the projected CSAPR Phase II allowances not yet issued, we currently expect projected generation levels and emission rates will result in compliance in both Phase I and Phase II.
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule (formerly known as the Electric Generating Unit Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rule). Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to set emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) for certain source categories. The EPA published the final MATS rule in the Federal Register in February 2012, addressing such emissions from coal-fired utility units greater than 25 MW. There are currently 187 listed HAPs that the EPA is required to evaluate for establishment of MACT standards. In the final MATS rule, the EPA established categories of HAPs, including mercury, trace metals other than mercury, acid gases, dioxin/furans, and organics other than dioxin/furans. The EPA also established emission limits for the first three categories of HAPs, and work practice standards for the remaining categories. Affected sources were required to be in compliance with the rule by April 2015. States had the authority to grant sources a one-year extension. The MPCA approved Minnesota Power’s request for an extension of the date of compliance for the Boswell Unit 4 environmental upgrade to April 1, 2016. Construction on the project to implement the Boswell Unit 4 mercury emissions reduction plan was completed in 2015. Boswell Unit 3 is also subject to the MATS rule; however, investments and compliance work completed at Boswell Unit 3, including the emission reduction investments completed in 2009, meet the requirements of the MATS rule. The conversion of Laskin Units 1 and 2 to natural gas in June 2015 positioned those units for MATS compliance.
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded an earlier U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit decision on the MATS rule. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unreasonable for the EPA to deem cost of compliance irrelevant in determining that regulation of emissions of hazardous air pollutants from power plants was “appropriate and necessary” under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The MATS rule remains in effect until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit acts on the remand. In December 2015, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected a motion by utilities and states to vacate the MATS rule, instead ordering the rule to remain in effect while the EPA completes its review. On April 15, 2016, the EPA announced its determination that the MATS rule is appropriate and necessary, even after considering cost of compliance. The outcome of these proceedings is not expected to have a material impact on Minnesota Power generation due to emission reduction obligations under the Minnesota Mercury Emissions Reduction Act and the Consent Decree. (See New Source Review.)
Minnesota Mercury Emissions Reduction Act/Rule. In order to comply with the 2006 Minnesota Mercury Emissions Reduction Act, which was incorporated into rules promulgated by the MPCA in September 2014, Minnesota Power was required to implement a mercury emissions reduction project for Boswell Unit 4 by December 31, 2018. The Boswell Unit 4 environmental upgrade discussed above (see Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule) fulfills the requirements of the Minnesota Mercury Emissions Reduction Act.
EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters. A final rule issued by the EPA for Industrial Boiler MACT became effective in December 2012. Major existing sources had until January 31, 2016, to achieve compliance with the final rule. Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewable Energy Center and Rapids Energy Center are subject to this rule. We expect compliance to consist largely of adjustments to our operating practices; therefore the costs for complying with the final rule are not expected to be material.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The EPA is required to review the NAAQS every five years. If the EPA determines that a state’s air quality is not in compliance with the NAAQS, the state is required to adopt plans describing how it will reduce emissions to attain the NAAQS. These state plans often include more stringent air emission limitations on sources of air pollutants than the NAAQS. Four NAAQS have either recently been revised or are currently proposed for revision, as described below.
Ozone NAAQS. The EPA has proposed to more stringently control emissions that result in ground level ozone. In January 2010, the EPA proposed to revise the 2008 eight-hour ozone standard of 75 parts per billion (ppb) and to adopt a secondary standard for the protection of sensitive vegetation from ozone-related damage. In October 2015, the EPA published the final rule in the Federal Register revising the eight-hour ozone standard to 70 ppb with a secondary standard also set at 70 ppb. All areas of Minnesota currently meet the new standard based on the most recent available ambient monitoring data. However, some areas in the metropolitan Twin Cities and southwest portion of the state are close to exceeding the standard, so voluntary efforts to reduce ozone continue in the state. No additional costs for compliance are anticipated at this time.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
29

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Particulate Matter NAAQS. The EPA finalized the Particulate Matter NAAQS in September 2006. Since then, the EPA has established more stringent 24-hour and annual average fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) standards; the 24-hour coarse particulate matter standard has remained unchanged. In December 2012, the EPA issued a final rule implementing a more stringent annual PM 2.5 standard, while retaining the current 24-hour PM 2.5 standard. To implement the new annual PM 2.5 standard, the EPA is also revising aspects of relevant monitoring, designation and permitting requirements. New projects and permits must comply with the new standard, which is generally demonstrated by modeling at the facility level.
Under the final rule, states will be responsible for additional PM 2.5 monitoring, which will likely be accomplished by relocating or repurposing existing monitors. The EPA asked states to submit attainment designations by December 2013, based on already available monitoring data, and issued designations of the 2012 revised primary annual fine particulate attainment status in December 2014. The EPA designated the entire state of Minnesota as unclassifiable/attainment; however, Minnesota sources may ultimately be required to reduce their emissions to assist with attainment in neighboring states. Accordingly, the costs for complying with the final Particulate Matter NAAQS cannot be estimated at this time.
SO 2 and NO 2 NAAQS. During 2010, the EPA finalized one-hour NAAQS for SO 2 and NO 2. Ambient monitoring data indicates that Minnesota is likely in compliance with these standards; however, the one-hour SO 2 NAAQS also requires the EPA to evaluate additional modeling and monitoring considerations to determine attainment. In April 2012, the MPCA notified Minnesota Power that modeling had been suspended as a result of the EPA’s announcement that the SIP submittals would not require modeling demonstrations for states, such as Minnesota, where ambient monitors indicate compliance with the standard. The EPA notified states that their infrastructure SIPs for maintaining attainment of the standard were required to be submitted to the EPA for approval by June 2013. However, the State of Minnesota delayed completing the documents pending EPA guidance to states for preparing the SIP submittal.
In September 2013 the EPA provided guidance to states regarding implementation of the one-hour NO 2 NAAQS and in June 2014, as clarified in February 2015, the MPCA submitted a SIP revision to the EPA addressing the infrastructure requirements of Sections 110(a)(1) and 110(a)(2) of the Clean Air Act in regards to the one-hour NO 2 and SO 2 NAAQS, among other standards. The SIP stated that since the EPA determined in January 2012 that no area in the country is in violation of the one-hour NO 2 NAAQS, there are no nonattainment areas in the country for this pollutant, and therefore Minnesota’s NO 2 emissions cannot be significantly contributing to nonattainment in any other state. In October 2015, the EPA published in the Federal Register an approval and partial disapproval of the June 2014 SIP revision. According to the MPCA, the partial disapproval is regarding state delegation of a program unrelated to the one-hour NAAQS for SO 2 and NO 2, and is not expected to require further action. As such, additional compliance costs for the one-hour NO 2 NAAQS are not expected at this time.
In August 2015, the EPA finalized the SO 2 data requirements rule (DRR) for the 2010 one-hour NAAQS to assist the states in implementing the standard. The rule sets emissions thresholds and exemptions for facilities that trigger modeling requirements. On January 8, 2016, the MPCA informed the EPA of the Minnesota sources subject to the rule, confirming that Boswell and Taconite Harbor are the only Minnesota Power generating facilities subject to the DRR. The MPCA is required to notify the EPA how each source will evaluate air quality by July 1, 2016. The MPCA has informed Minnesota Power that compliant SO 2 modeling recently completed at these facilities should satisfy the DRR obligations, and no further modeling should be required. The MPCA is in discussion with the EPA to confirm its conclusion. As such, additional compliance costs for the one-hour SO 2 NAAQS are not expected at this time.
Class I Air Quality Petitions and Requests. In July 2014, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Fond du Lac Band) announced its intent to petition the EPA to redesignate its reservation air shed from Class II to Class I air quality pursuant to Section 164(c) of the Clean Air Act. The Fond du Lac Band does not currently possess authority to directly regulate air quality. Class I air shed status, if granted, would allow the Fond du Lac Band to impose more stringent Clean Air Act protections within the boundaries of the Fond du Lac reservation, including the reservation air shed, near Cloquet, Minnesota. Five other reservations across the U.S. have applied for and received Class I status. A public hearing was held by the Fond du Lac Band in October 2014, and the extended public comment period on the petition expired in November 2014. After the Fond du Lac Band prepares responses to the comments, it is anticipated to make a formal submittal request to the EPA. The Company has requested additional clarification from the Fond du Lac Band and the MPCA on the final regulatory structure that may arise from a Class I redesignation.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
30

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
In May 2013, the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Bad River Band) announced its intent to petition the EPA to redesignate its reservation air shed, which is located approximately 100 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota, from Class II to Class I air quality pursuant to Section 164(c) of the Clean Air Act. The Class I analysis report was issued by the Bad River Band in January 2015 which was followed by public hearings in March 2015 and a public comment period ending in May 2015. After the Bad River Band prepares responses to the comments, it is also anticipated to make a formal submittal request to the EPA.
There is no deadline for the approval, denial, or modification of these requests by the EPA. We are unable to determine the impact of potential Class I status on the Company’s operations at this time.
Climate Change. The scientific community generally accepts that emissions of GHG are linked to global climate change which creates physical and financial risks. Physical risks could include, but are not limited to: increased or decreased precipitation and water levels in lakes and rivers; increased temperatures; and changes in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. These all have the potential to affect the Company’s business and operations. We are addressing climate change by taking the following steps that also ensure reliable and environmentally compliant generation resources to meet our customers’ requirements:

• | Expanding our renewable energy supply;

• | Providing energy conservation initiatives for our customers and engaging in other demand side efforts;

• | Improving efficiency of our energy generating facilities;

• | Supporting research of technologies to reduce carbon emissions from generation facilities and carbon sequestration efforts; and

• | Evaluating and developing less carbon intensive future generating assets such as efficient and flexible natural gas generating facilities.

President Obama’s Climate Action Plan. In June 2013, President Obama announced a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that calls for implementation of measures that reduce GHG emissions in the U.S., emphasizing means such as expanded deployment of renewable energy resources, energy and resource conservation, energy efficiency improvements and a shift to fuel sources that have lower emissions. Certain portions of the CAP directly address electric utility GHG emissions.
EPA Regulation of GHG Emissions. In May 2010, the EPA issued the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule (Tailoring Rule). The Tailoring Rule establishes permitting thresholds required to address GHG emissions for new facilities, existing facilities that undergo major modifications and other facilities characterized as major sources under the Clean Air Act’s Title V program. For our existing facilities, the rule does not require amending our existing Title V operating permits to include GHG requirements. However, GHG requirements are likely to be added to our existing Title V operating permits by the MPCA as these permits are renewed or amended.
In late 2010, the EPA issued guidance to permitting authorities and affected sources to facilitate incorporation of the Tailoring Rule permitting requirements into the Title V and PSD permitting programs. The guidance stated that the project-specific, top-down Best Available Control Technology (BACT) determination process used for other pollutants will also be used to determine BACT for GHG emissions. Through sector-specific white papers, the EPA also provided examples and technical summaries of GHG emission control technologies and techniques the EPA considers available or likely to be available to sources. It is possible that these control technologies could be determined to be BACT on a project-by-project basis.
In June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the aspect of the Tailoring Rule that established lower permitting thresholds for GHG than for other pollutants subject to PSD. However, the court also upheld the EPA’s power to require BACT for GHG from sources already subject to regulation under PSD. Minnesota Power’s coal-fired generating facilities are already subject to regulation under PSD, so we anticipate that ultimately PSD for GHG will apply to our facilities, but the timing of the promulgation of a replacement for the Tailoring Rule is uncertain. The PSD applies to existing facilities only when they undertake a major modification that increases emissions. At this time, we are unable to predict the compliance costs that we might incur.
In March 2012, the EPA announced a proposed rule to apply CO 2 emission New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), under Section 111(b) of the Clean Air Act, to new fossil fuel-fired electric generating units. The proposed NSPS would have applied only to new or re-powered units. Based on the volume of comments received, the EPA announced its intent to re-propose the rule. In September 2013, the EPA retracted its March 2012 proposal and announced the release of a revised NSPS for new or re-powered utility CO 2 emissions.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
31

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
In June 2014, the EPA announced a proposed rule under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act for existing power plants entitled “Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Generating Units”, also referred to as the Clean Power Plan (CPP). The EPA issued the final CPP in August 2015, together with a proposed federal implementation plan and a model rule for emissions trading. Numerous petitions for review of the rule have been filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an order staying the effectiveness of the rule until after the appellate court process is complete.
The CPP establishes uniform CO 2 emission performance rates for existing fossil fuel-fired and natural gas-fired combined cycle generating units, setting state-specific goals for CO 2 emissions from the power sector. State goals were determined based on CPP source-specific performance emission rates and each state’s mix of power plants. The EPA maintains such goals are achievable if a state undertakes a combination of measures across its power sector that constitute the EPA’s guideline for a Best System of Emission Reductions (BSER). BSER is comprised of three building blocks: 1) improved fossil fuel power plant efficiency, 2) increased reliance on low-emitting power sources by generating more electricity from existing natural gas combined cycle units, and 3) building more zero- and low-emitting power sources, including renewable energy. States may also choose to include avoided CO 2 emissions from customer energy efficiency measures for credit towards meeting state goals.
State goals under the CPP are expressed as both mass-based and rate-based goals, and include interim goals to be met over the years 2022 through 2029, as well as a final goal to be met in 2030 and thereafter. Under the CPP, each state is required to develop a state implementation plan by September 6, 2016, or by September 6, 2018, if granted an extension. If the CPP is upheld at the completion of the appellate court process, all of these deadlines may be reset based on the length of time that the appeals process takes.
In developing its plan, a state may choose to meet either the mass-based or the rate-based goals. Minnesota Power is currently evaluating the CPP as it relates to the State of Minnesota as well as its potential impact on the Company and is actively discussing potential compliance scenarios with regulatory agencies and in public stakeholder meetings. Minnesota has already initiated several measures consistent with those called for under the CAP and CPP. Minnesota Power is implementing its EnergyForward strategic plan that provides for significant emission reductions and diversifying its electricity generation mix to include more renewable and natural gas energy. (See Note 6. Regulatory Matters.)
We are unable to predict the GHG emission compliance costs we might incur; however, the costs could be material. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of any additional costs through cost recovery riders or in a general rate case.
Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. In April 2014, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota ruled that part of Minnesota’s Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The portions of the law which were ruled unconstitutional prohibited the importation of power from a new CO 2-producing facility outside of Minnesota and prohibited the entry into new long-term power purchase agreements that would increase CO 2 emissions in Minnesota. The State of Minnesota appealed the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in May 2014.
Water. The Clean Water Act requires NPDES permits be obtained from the EPA (or, when delegated, from individual state pollution control agencies) for any wastewater discharged into navigable waters. We have obtained all necessary NPDES permits, including NPDES storm water permits for applicable facilities, to conduct our operations.
Clean Water Act - Aquatic Organisms. In April 2011, the EPA announced proposed regulations under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act that set standards applicable to cooling water intake structures for the protection of aquatic organisms. The proposed regulations would require existing large power plants and manufacturing facilities that withdraw greater than 25 percent of water from adjacent water bodies for cooling purposes, and have a design intake flow of greater than 2 million gallons per day, to limit the number of aquatic organisms that are impacted by the facility’s intake structure or cooling system. The Section 316(b) rule was effective in October 2014. The Section 316(b) standards will be implemented through NPDES permits issued to the covered facilities with compliance timing dependent on individual NPDES renewal schedules. No NPDES permits for Minnesota Power generating facilities have been re-issued containing Section 316(b) requirements since the final rule was published, so at this time we are unable to determine the final cost of compliance; however, our preliminary assessment suggests costs of compliance could be up to approximately $15 million. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of any additional costs through a general rate case.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
32

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Environmental Matters (Continued)
Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines. In April 2013, the EPA announced proposed revisions to the federal effluent limit guidelines (ELG) for steam electric power generating stations under the Clean Water Act. The final ELG was issued in September 2015. It sets effluent limits and prescribes BACT for several wastewater streams, including flue gas desulphurization (FGD) water and coal combustion landfill leachate. The ELG rule also prohibits the discharge of bottom and fly ash contact waters. Compliance with the final rule is required between November 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023.
We are reviewing the final rule and evaluating its potential impact on Minnesota Power’s operations, primarily at Boswell. Boswell currently discharges bottom ash contact water through its NPDES permit, and also has a closed-loop FGD system that does not currently discharge, but may do so in the future. Under the final ELG rule, bottom ash discharge would not be allowed and bottom ash contact water would either need to be re-used in a closed-loop process, routed to a FGD scrubber, or the bottom ash handling system would need to be converted to a dry process. If the FGD wastewater is discharged in the future, it would require additional wastewater treatment. Efforts have been underway at Boswell for several years to reduce the amount of water discharged and evaluate potential re-use options in its plant processes. Additional efforts are underway to determine if land application of certain wastewater streams under a state disposal system may be feasible.
At this time, we cannot estimate what compliance costs we might incur related to these or other potential future water discharge regulations; however, the costs could be material, including costs associated with retrofits for bottom ash handling, pond dewatering, pond closure, and wastewater treatment and/or reuse. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of any additional costs through cost recovery riders or in a general rate case.
Solid and Hazardous Waste. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 regulates the management and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. We are required to notify the EPA of hazardous waste activity and, consequently, routinely submit the necessary reports to the EPA.
Coal Ash Management Facilities. Minnesota Power generates or disposes coal ash at five of its electric generating facilities. Two facilities store ash in onsite impoundments (ash ponds) with engineered liners and containment dikes. Another facility stores dry ash in a landfill with an engineered liner and leachate collection system. Two facilities generate a combined wood and coal ash that is either land applied as an approved beneficial use or trucked to state permitted landfills. In June 2010, the EPA proposed regulations for coal combustion residuals (CCR) generated by the electric utility sector. The proposal sought comments on three general regulatory schemes for coal ash under Subtitle D of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (non-hazardous) or Subtitle C of RCRA (hazardous).
The EPA issued the final CCR rule in December 2014 under Subtitle D (non-hazardous) of RCRA and it was published in the Federal Register in April 2015. The rule includes additional requirements for new landfill and impoundment construction as well as closure activities related to certain existing impoundments. The final rule also includes provisions that could incentivize early closure of existing impoundments within a three-year window. Costs of compliance for Boswell and Laskin are expected to occur primarily over the next 10 years and be between approximately $65 million and $100 million. Minnesota Power has not disposed ash onsite at Taconite Harbor since the effective date of the rule, and therefore, the CCR rule is not applicable to that generating facility. Minnesota Power continues to work on minimizing costs through evaluation of beneficial re-use and recycling of CCR and CCR-related waters. Minnesota Power would seek recovery of any additional costs through a general rate case.
Other Matters.
ALLETE Clean Energy. ALLETE Clean Energy’s wind energy facilities have PPAs in place for their entire output and expire in various years between 2018 and 2032. As of March 31, 2016, ALLETE Clean Energy has $12.5 million outstanding in standby letters of credit.
U.S. Water Services. As of March 31, 2016, U.S. Water Services has $0.8 million outstanding in standby letters of credit.
BNI Energy. As of March 31, 2016, BNI Energy had surety bonds outstanding of $49.9 million related to the reclamation liability for closing costs associated with its mine and mine facilities. Although the coal supply agreements obligate the customers to provide for the closing costs, additional assurance is required by federal and state regulations. In addition to the surety bonds, BNI Energy has secured a letter of credit for an additional $0.6 million to provide for BNI Energy’s total reclamation liability, which is currently estimated at $47.5 million. BNI Energy does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding surety bonds or the letter of credit will be drawn upon.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
33

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Other Matters (Continued)
ALLETE Properties. As of March 31, 2016, ALLETE Properties, through its subsidiaries, had surety bonds outstanding and letters of credit to governmental entities totaling $10.3 million primarily related to development and maintenance obligations for various projects. The estimated cost of the remaining development work is approximately $6.3 million. ALLETE Properties does not believe it is likely that any of these outstanding surety bonds or letters of credit will be drawn upon.
Community Development District Obligations. At March 31, 2016, we owned 72 percent of the assessable land in the Town Center District (72 percent at December 31, 2015) and 92 percent of the assessable land in the Palm Coast Park District (92 percent at December 31, 2015). At these ownership levels, our annual assessments related to capital improvement and special assessment bonds are approximately $1.4 million for Town Center and $2.1 million for Palm Coast Park. As we sell property, the obligation to pay special assessments will pass to the new landowners. In accordance with accounting guidance, these bonds are not reflected as debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Legal Proceedings.
We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of business. Also in the normal course of business, we are involved in tax, regulatory and other governmental audits, inspections, investigations and other proceedings that involve state and federal taxes, safety, and compliance with regulations, rate base and cost of service issues, among other things. We do not expect the outcome of these matters to have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
During the third quarter of 2015, management updated our reportable segment presentation to reflect the manner in which we operate, assess, and allocate resources after our recent acquisitions. We now present three reportable segments, Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current business segment presentation.
Regulated Operations includes three operating segments which consist of our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. ALLETE Clean Energy is our business aimed at acquiring or developing capital projects that create energy solutions by way of wind, solar, biomass, hydro, natural gas, shale resources, clean coal technology and other emerging energy innovations. U.S. Water Services is our integrated water management company which was acquired in February 2015. The ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services reportable segments comprise our Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses. We also present Corporate and Other which includes two operating segments, BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota, and ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment, along with other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
34

NOTE 14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued)

|  | Three Months Ended
|  | March 31,
|  | 2016 | 2015
Millions |  |  |
Operating Revenue |  |  |
Regulated Operations |  | $252.3 | $262.8
Energy Infrastructure and Related Services |  |  |
ALLETE Clean Energy |  | 23.6 |  | 12.4 |
U.S. Water Services |  | 32.4 |  | 15.5 |
Corporate and Other |  | 25.5 |  | 29.3 |
Total Operating Revenue |  |  | $333.8 |  |  | $320.0 |
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to ALLETE |  |  |
Regulated Operations (a) |  |  | $42.4 |  |  | $41.0 |
Energy Infrastructure and Related Services |  |  |
ALLETE Clean Energy |  | 6.1 |  | 2.5 |
U.S. Water Services |  | (0.5 | ) | (0.1 | )
Corporate and Other (a) |  | (2.1 | ) | (3.5 | )
Total Net Income Attributable to ALLETE |  |  | $45.9 |  |  | $39.9 |

(a) | In 2015, an intercompany loan agreement was entered into and interest expense was allocated to certain subsidiaries which is eliminated in consolidation. Prior period segment results have been revised to conform to the current presentation as if the intercompany loan existed as of January 1, 2015.

| March 31, 2016 |  | December 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |
Assets |  |
Regulated Operations (a) | $3,822.3 | $3,853.1
Energy Infrastructure and Related Services |  |
ALLETE Clean Energy (a) | 498.1 |  | 501.5 |
U.S. Water Services | 256.6 |  | 258.3 |
Corporate and Other | 295.7 |  | 281.6 |
Total Assets (a) |  | $4,872.7 |  |  | $4,894.5 |

(a) | As a result of revised accounting guidance adopted in the first quarter of 2016, we reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs from Other Non-Current Assets to Long-Term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Prior period segment assets have been revised to conform to the current presentation. (See Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.)

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
35

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to those statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations from the 2015 Form 10-K and the other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this Form 10-Q contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures in this Form 10-Q under the headings: “Forward-Looking Statements” located on page 5 and “Risk Factors” located in Part I, Item 1A, beginning on page 25 of our 2015 Form 10‑K. The risks and uncertainties described in this Form 10-Q and our 2015 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are not presently aware of, or that we currently consider immaterial, may also affect our business operations. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could suffer if the risks are realized.
Basis of Presentation. During the third quarter of 2015, management updated our reportable segment presentation to reflect the manner in which we operate, assess, and allocate resources after our recent acquisitions. We now present three reportable segments, Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water Services. Prior period amounts have been revised to conform with the current business segment presentation.
Regulated Operations includes our regulated utilities, Minnesota Power and SWL&P, as well as our investment in ATC, a Wisconsin-based regulated utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. Minnesota Power provides regulated utility electric service in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers. Minnesota Power also has 16 non-affiliated municipal customers in Minnesota. SWL&P is a Wisconsin utility and a wholesale customer of Minnesota Power. SWL&P provides regulated electric, natural gas and water service in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers and 10,000 water customers. Our regulated utility operations include retail and wholesale activities under the jurisdiction of state and federal regulatory authorities. (See Note 6. Regulatory Matters.)
ALLETE Clean Energy was established in 2011, and focuses on developing, acquiring and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in four states, approximately 535 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that are under long-term power sales agreements. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy constructed a 107 MW wind energy facility for sale to Montana-Dakota Utilities; construction and sale were completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.
U.S. Water Services is our integrated water management company which was acquired on February 10, 2015.
Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota, ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
ALLETE is incorporated under the laws of Minnesota. Our corporate headquarters are in Duluth, Minnesota. Statistical information is presented as of March 31, 2016, unless otherwise indicated. All subsidiaries are wholly-owned unless otherwise specifically indicated. References in this report to “we,” “us” and “our” are to ALLETE and its subsidiaries, collectively.
Financial Overview
The following net income discussion summarizes a comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2016, to the three months ended March 31, 2015.
Net income attributable to ALLETE for the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $45.9 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared to $39.9 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the same period in 2015. Net income for 2015 included a $3.0 million after-tax expense, or $0.06 per share, for acquisition costs related to U.S. Water Services. (See Note 3. Acquisitions.) Net income for 2016 increased primarily due to higher net income at Minnesota Power and ALLETE Clean Energy. Earnings per share dilution was $0.05 due to additional shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
36

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)
Regulated Operations net income attributable to ALLETE was $42.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $41.0 million for the same period in 2015. Net income for 2016 increased primarily due to higher net income at Minnesota Power resulting from lower operating and maintenance expenses, and higher cost recovery rider revenue. These increases were mostly offset by a decrease in kWh sales due to lower industrial sales and impacts of warmer temperatures in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, and higher depreciation and property tax expenses. Our equity earnings in ATC for the three months ended March 31, 2016, increased $0.6 million after-tax due to period over period changes in ATC’s estimate of a refund liability related to MISO return on equity complaints.
ALLETE Clean Energy net income attributable to ALLETE was $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to net income of $2.5 million for the same period in 2015. Net income for 2016 increased primarily due to income generated from the operations of wind energy facilities acquired in April and July 2015.
U.S. Water Services net loss attributable to ALLETE was $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a net loss of $0.1 million from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2015, through March 31, 2015. U.S. Water Services sells certain products which are seasonal in nature, with higher demand typically realized in warmer months. The results for the first quarter of 2015 reflect operations from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2015, through March 31, 2015, and therefore, do not reflect a full quarter.
Corporate and Other net loss attributable to ALLETE was $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to a net loss of $3.5 million for the same period in 2015. In 2015, the net loss included a $3.0 million after-tax expense, or $0.06 per share, for acquisition costs related to U.S. Water Services. In 2016, the net loss included higher accretion expense related to the U.S. Water Services contingent consideration liability.
COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015
(See Note 14. Business Segments for financial results by segment.)
Regulated Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Millions |  |
Operating Revenue |  | $252.3 |  |  | $262.8 |
Fuel and Purchased Power | 76.9 |  | 86.0 |
Transmission Services | 16.8 |  | 14.9 |
Cost of Sales | 3.0 |  | 4.5 |
Operating and Maintenance | 50.6 |  | 58.7 |
Depreciation and Amortization | 38.3 |  | 32.1 |
Taxes Other than Income Taxes | 12.2 |  | 11.6 |
Operating Income | 54.5 |  | 55.0 |
Interest Expense | (13.1 | ) | (13.6 | )
Equity Earnings in ATC | 4.8 |  | 3.9 |
Other Income | 0.9 |  | 0.9 |
Income Before Non-Controlling Interest and Income Taxes | 47.1 |  | 46.2 |
Income Tax Expense | 4.7 |  | 5.2 |
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $42.4 |  | $41.0 |

Operating Revenue decreased $10.5 million, or 4 percent, from 2015 primarily due to lower kWh sales, fuel adjustment clause recoveries, conservation improvement program recoveries and gas sales, partially offset by higher cost recovery rider revenue and FERC formula-based rates.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
37

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015 (Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
Revenue from Regulated Operations decreased $8.1 million due to a 4.6 percent decrease in kWh sales. Sales to our industrial customers decreased 18.3 percent primarily due to reduced taconite production. Sales to our residential, commercial and municipal customers have been impacted as a result of warmer temperatures in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Heating degree days in Duluth, Minnesota, were approximately 8 percent lower in the first three months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Sales to Other Power Suppliers are sold at market-based prices into the MISO market on a daily basis or through bilateral agreements of various durations, and increased 26.8 percent in 2016 compared to 2015, as more energy was available for sale, primarily due to reduced demand from our taconite customers.

Kilowatt-hours Sold |  |  |  |  | Quantity |  | %
Three Months Ended March 31, | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |  |  | Variance |  | Variance
Millions |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Regulated Utility |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retail and Municipal |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Residential | 329 |  |  | 356 |  |  | (27 | ) |  | (7.6 | )%
Commercial | 368 |  |  | 384 |  |  | (16 | ) |  | (4.2 | )%
Industrial | 1,594 |  |  | 1,950 |  |  | (356 | ) |  | (18.3 | )%
Municipal | 219 |  |  | 233 |  |  | (14 | ) |  | (6.0 | )%
Total Retail and Municipal | 2,510 |  |  | 2,923 |  |  | (413 | ) |  | (14.1 | )%
Other Power Suppliers | 1,130 |  |  | 891 |  |  | 239 |  |  | 26.8 | %
Total Regulated Utility Kilowatt-hours Sold | 3,640 |  |  | 3,814 |  |  | (174 | ) |  | (4.6 | )%

Revenue from electric sales to taconite/iron concentrate customers accounted for 16 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2016 (22 percent in 2015). Revenue from electric sales to paper, pulp and secondary wood product customers accounted for 7 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2016 (7 percent in 2015). Revenue from electric sales to pipelines and other industrial customers accounted for 7 percent of consolidated operating revenue in 2016 (7 percent in 2015).
Fuel adjustment clause recoveries decreased $5.5 million due to lower fuel and purchased power costs attributable to retail and municipal customers. (See Operating Expenses - Fuel and Purchased Power Expense.)
Conservation improvement program recoveries decreased $2.0 million from 2015 primarily due to a reduction in related expenditures. (See Operating Expenses - Operating and Maintenance Expense.)
Gas sales at SWL&P decreased $1.8 million from 2015 as a result of warmer temperatures in 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. (See Cost of Sales.)
Cost recovery rider revenue increased $4.7 million primarily due to the completion of the Boswell Unit 4 environmental upgrade.
Revenue from our wholesale customers under our formula based rates increased $1.7 million primarily due to additional environmental and other investments.
Operating Expenses decreased $10.0 million, or 5 percent, from 2015.
Fuel and Purchased Power expense decreased $9.1 million, or 11 percent, from 2015 primarily due to lower purchased power prices and kWh sales in 2016 compared to 2015. Fuel and purchased power expense related to our retail and municipal customers is recovered through the fuel adjustment clause. (See Operating Revenue.)
Transmission Services expense increased $1.9 million, or 13 percent, from 2015 primarily due to higher MISO-related expense.
Cost of Sales decreased $1.5 million, or 33 percent, from 2015 due to lower purchased gas at SWL&P. (See Operating Revenue.)
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
38

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015 (Continued)
Regulated Operations (Continued)
Operating and Maintenance expense decreased $8.1 million, or 14 percent, from 2015 primarily due to a $3.6 million sales tax refund received in 2016 and lower salary and benefit expenses. In addition, conservation improvement program expenses were $2.1 million less than the first quarter of 2015. Conservation improvement program expenses are recovered from certain retail customers. (See Operating Revenue.)
Depreciation and Amortization expense increased $6.2 million, or 19 percent, from 2015 primarily due to additional property, plant and equipment in service.
Taxes Other than Income Taxes increased $0.6 million, or 5 percent, from 2015 primarily due to higher property tax expenses resulting from higher taxable plant.
Interest Expense decreased $0.5 million, or 4 percent, from 2015 primarily due to lower average interest rates on long-term debt.
Equity Earnings in ATC increased $0.9 million, or 23 percent, from 2015 due to period over period changes in ATC’s estimate of a refund liability related to MISO return on equity complaints.
ALLETE Clean Energy

Three Months Ended March 31, | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Millions |  |
Operating Revenue |  | $23.6 |  |  | $12.4 |
Net Income Attributable to ALLETE | $6.1 |  | $2.5 |

Operating Revenue increased $11.2 million from 2015 primarily due to revenue generated from the operations of wind energy facilities acquired in April and July 2015.

| Three Months Ended March 31,
| 2016 | 2015
Production and Operating Revenue | kWh | Revenue | kWh | Revenue
Millions |  |  |  |
Wind Energy Facility |  |  |  |
Lake Benton | 70.0 |  |  | $3.4 |  | 82.0 |  |  | $3.9 |
Storm Lake II | 52.5 |  | 3.0 |  | 57.0 |  | 3.3 |
Condon | 28.5 |  | 2.4 |  | 20.8 |  | 2.0 |
Storm Lake I | 64.0 |  | 3.1 |  | 69.1 |  | 3.2 |
Chanarambie/Viking | 80.6 |  | 3.6 |  | — |  | — |
Armenia Mountain | 92.0 |  | 8.1 |  | — |  | — |
Total | 387.6 |  | $23.6 | 228.9 |  |  | $12.4 |

Net Income Attributable to ALLETE increased $3.6 million from 2015 primarily due to income generated from the operations of wind energy facilities acquired in April and July 2015.
U.S. Water Services

| Three Months Ended |  | Period February 10, 2015 |
| March 31, 2016 |  | Through March 31, 2015 |
Millions |  |
Operating Revenue |  | $32.4 |  |  | $15.5 |
Net Loss Attributable to ALLETE | $(0.5) | $(0.1)

Operating Revenue increased $16.9 million in 2016 compared to the period from February 10, 2015, to March 31, 2015, primarily due to the acquisition of U.S. Water Services in February 2015. The results for the first quarter of 2015 reflect operations from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2015, through March 31, 2015, and therefore, do not reflect a full quarter.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
39

COMPARISON OF THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016 AND 2015 (Continued)
U.S. Water Services (Continued)
Net Loss Attributable to ALLETE increased $0.4 million in 2016 compared to the period from February 10, 2015, to March 31, 2015. U.S. Water Services sells certain products which are seasonal in nature, with higher demand typically realized in warmer months. The results for the first quarter of 2015 reflect operations from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2015, through March 31, 2015, and therefore, do not reflect a full quarter. Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 included $0.3 million of after-tax expense related to purchase accounting for inventories and sales backlog ($0.3 million from February 10, 2015 through March 31, 2015); these purchase accounting adjustments have been fully recognized as of March 31, 2016.
Corporate and Other
Operating Revenue decreased $3.8 million, or 13 percent, from 2015 primarily due to a decrease in revenue at BNI Energy, which operates under cost-plus fixed fee contracts, as a result of lower expenses, which was partially offset by higher revenue from more coal delivered in 2016.
Net Loss Attributable to ALLETE decreased $1.4 million from 2015 primarily due to a $3.0 million after-tax expense in 2015, or $0.06 per share, for acquisition costs related to U.S. Water Services and higher net income at BNI Energy in 2016, partially offset by higher accretion expense resulting from the U.S. Water Services contingent consideration liability.
Income Taxes – Consolidated
For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the effective tax rate was 16.7 percent (13.4 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2015). The effective rate deviated from the combined statutory rate of approximately 41 percent primarily due to production tax credits. (See Note 9. Income Tax Expense.)
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Certain accounting measurements under GAAP involve management’s judgment about subjective factors and estimates, the effects of which are inherently uncertain. Accounting measurements that we believe are most critical to our reported results of operations and financial condition include: regulatory accounting, pension and postretirement health and life actuarial assumptions, impairment of long-lived assets, taxation and valuation of goodwill and intangible assets. These policies are reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors on a regular basis and summarized in Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
OUTLOOK
For additional information see our 2015 Form 10-K.
ALLETE is an energy company committed to earning a financial return that rewards our shareholders, allows for reinvestment in our businesses and sustains growth. The Company has long-term objectives of achieving average annual earnings per share growth of a minimum of 5 percent and providing a dividend payout competitive with our industry.
ALLETE is predominately a regulated utility through Minnesota Power, SWL&P and an investment in ATC. ALLETE’s strategy is to remain predominately a regulated utility while investing in its Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses to complement its regulated businesses, balance exposure to the utility’s industrial customers, and provide potential long-term earnings growth. ALLETE expects net income from Regulated Operations to be approximately 85 percent to 90 percent of total consolidated net income in 2016. Over the next several years, the contribution of the Energy Infrastructure and Related Services businesses to net income is expected to increase as ALLETE grows these operations. ALLETE expects its businesses to provide regulated, contracted or recurring revenues and to support sustained growth in net income and cash flow.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
40

OUTLOOK (Continued)
Regulated Operations. Minnesota Power’s long-term strategy is to be the leading electric energy provider in northeastern Minnesota by providing safe, reliable and cost-competitive electric energy, while complying with environmental permit conditions and renewable energy requirements. Keeping the cost of energy production competitive enables Minnesota Power to effectively compete in the wholesale power markets and minimizes retail rate increases to help maintain customer viability. As part of maintaining cost competitiveness, Minnesota Power intends to reduce its exposure to possible future carbon and GHG legislation by reshaping its generation portfolio, over time, to reduce its reliance on coal. (See EnergyForward.) We will monitor and review proposed environmental regulations and may challenge those that add considerable cost with limited environmental benefit. Minnesota Power will continue to pursue customer growth opportunities and cost recovery rider approval for environmental, renewable and transmission investments, as well as work with regulators to earn a fair rate of return. We project that Minnesota Power will not earn its allowed rate of return in 2016. We are preparing for our next general rate case at Minnesota Power and will be able to file later this year. Some factors affecting rate case timing decisions include current depreciation dockets, approval of our integrated resource plan and the outlook for industrial sales.
Regulatory Matters. Entities within our Regulated Operations segment are under the jurisdiction of the MPUC, the FERC, the PSCW or the NDPSC. See Note 6. Regulatory Matters for discussion of regulatory matters within our Minnesota, FERC, Wisconsin, and North Dakota jurisdictions.
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load
Industrial Customers. Electric power is one of several key inputs in the taconite mining, iron concentrate, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, and pipeline industries. Approximately 41 percent of our regulated utility kWh sales in the three months ended March 31, 2016 (48 percent in the three months ended March 31, 2015) were made to our industrial customers in these industries.
Minnesota Power provides electric service to five taconite customers capable of producing up to approximately 41 million tons of taconite pellets annually. Four of these customers are Large Power Customers. The fifth is Northshore Mining, owned and operated by Cliffs Natural Resources Inc., which self-generates a majority of its power, and is capable of producing approximately 6 million tons of taconite pellets annually. Taconite pellets produced in Minnesota are primarily shipped to North American steel making facilities that are part of the integrated steel industry. Steel produced from these North American facilities is used primarily in the manufacture of automobiles, appliances, pipe and tube products for the gas and oil industry, and in the construction industry. Historically, less than five percent of Minnesota taconite production is exported outside of North America. Minnesota Power also provides electric service to three iron concentrate customers capable of producing up to approximately 4 million tons of iron concentrate per year. Iron concentrate is used in the production of taconite pellets.
There has been a general historical correlation between U.S. steel production and Minnesota taconite production. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), an association of North American steel producers, reported that U.S. raw steel production operated at approximately 70 percent of capacity during the first three months of 2016 compared to 73 percent in the first three months of 2015. Many steel producers reduced production in 2015, citing higher levels of imports and lower prices. Some Minnesota taconite and iron concentrate producers reduced production in 2015 in response to declining U.S. steel production. The World Steel Association, an association of over 150 steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes representing approximately 85 percent of world steel production, projected U.S. steel consumption in 2016 will increase compared to 2015. While steel consumption is expected to increase in the U.S. in 2016, there is a natural lag between U.S. steel consumption and Minnesota taconite production. The high level of imports and lower prices in 2015 continue to impact Minnesota taconite production in 2016. In 2015, petitions regarding unfairly traded cold-rolled, hot-rolled and corrosion-resistant steel products were filed by domestic steel producers with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission resulting in countervailing duty and antidumping investigations. The U.S. Department of Commerce has since made preliminary affirmative determinations in the countervailing duty and antidumping investigations; final determinations are expected in 2016. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, February 2016 year-to-date imports for consumption of steel products are down approximately 40 percent compared to February 2015 year-to-date imports.
Minnesota Power’s taconite customers may experience annual variations in production levels due to such factors as economic conditions, short-term demand changes or maintenance outages. We estimate that a one million ton change in Minnesota Power’s taconite customers’ production would impact our annual earnings per share by approximately $0.03, net of expected power marketing sales at current prices. Changes in wholesale electric prices or customer contractual demand nominations could impact this estimate. Long-term reductions in taconite production or a permanent shut down of a taconite customer may lead Minnesota Power to file a rate case to recover lost revenue.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
41

OUTLOOK (Continued)
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load (Continued)
Minnesota Power’s Large Power taconite customers, subject to demand nomination requirements, nominate demand levels for their energy needs each December, March, and August for four-month periods. Based on nominations received on February 29, 2016, Minnesota Power’s Large Power taconite customers nominated at approximately 80 percent of full demand levels for May through August of 2016.
Minnesota Power proactively sells power that is temporarily not required by industrial customers in the wholesale power markets to optimize the value of its generating facilities. Minnesota Power has remarketed a significant portion of the power not expected to be taken by the idled taconite facilities and is well positioned to serve the power needs for those facilities in the event they resume production sooner than currently indicated.
USS Corporation. In the second quarter of 2015, USS Corporation temporarily idled its Minnesota Ore Operations - Keetac plant in Keewatin, Minnesota, and a portion of its Minnesota Ore Operations - Minntac plant in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. These actions were due to high inventory levels and ongoing adjustment of its steel producing operations throughout North America. Global influences in the market, including a higher level of imports, unfairly traded products and reduced steel prices, were cited as having an impact. In the third quarter of 2015, USS Corporation returned its Minntac plant to full production. USS Corporation’s Keetac plant remains idled. Both facilities are Large Power Customers of Minnesota Power. USS Corporation has the capability to produce approximately 5 million tons and 15 million tons of taconite annually at its Keetac and Minntac plants, respectively.
Magnetation. In May 2015, Magnetation announced that it had reached an agreement with holders of more than 70 percent of its 11.0 percent senior secured notes due in 2018 to restructure its balance sheet and provide liquidity to support long-term operations. To implement this restructuring, Magnetation announced that it had filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota, citing the significant decrease in global iron ore prices and its existing capital structure.
Magnetation stated that it intends to continue to pay suppliers and vendors in full under normal terms for goods and services provided after the bankruptcy filing date. Minnesota Power has received payment of all pre-petition amounts due from Magnetation.
Magnetation’s Plant 4 iron concentrate facility is a Large Power Customer of Minnesota Power. In July 2015, Minnesota Power filed a petition with the MPUC for approval of a new electric service agreement for service to both Magnetation’s Plant 2 and Plant 4 facilities, with a term through at least December 31, 2025. This electric service agreement was approved by the MPUC in an order dated February 2, 2016, and was subsequently approved by the bankruptcy court.
On January 6, 2016, Magnetation announced a temporary production curtailment at its Plant 2 iron concentrate facility in Bovey, Minnesota, effective January 18, 2016, in order to balance its production with its customers’ needs.
United Taconite. In August 2015, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (Cliffs) temporarily idled its United Taconite plant in Eveleth, Minnesota, citing high levels of inventories, lower demand from its customers, and the high rate of imported steel. Cliffs has said the plant will return to production as soon as demand from customers returns which it expects in 2016. United Taconite has the capability to produce approximately 5 million tons of taconite annually.
Prospective Additional Load. Minnesota Power is pursuing new wholesale and retail loads in and around its service territory. Currently, several companies in northeastern Minnesota continue to progress in the development of natural resource-based projects that represent long-term growth potential and load diversity for Minnesota Power. We cannot predict the outcome of these projects.
Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission. In April 2015, Minnesota Power amended its formula-based wholesale electric sales agreement with the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission for all of its electric service requirements, extending the term through June 30, 2028. A new Essar taconite facility is currently under construction in the city of Nashwauk, and the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission also amended and extended its electric service agreement with Essar. Upon completion, this facility would result in up to approximately 110 MW of additional load for Minnesota Power. We expect minimal electricity sales to the Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission for electric service to Essar Steel Minnesota’s taconite mine and processing facility in 2016.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
42

OUTLOOK (Continued)
Industrial Customers and Prospective Additional Load (Continued)
PolyMet. Minnesota Power has a long-term contract with PolyMet, which is planning to start a new copper-nickel and precious metal (non-ferrous) mining operation in northeastern Minnesota. In November 2015, PolyMet announced the completion of the final EIS by state and federal agencies, which was subsequently published in the Federal Register and Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Monitor. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued its Record of Decision on March 3, 2016, finding the final EIS adequate. The 30-day period allowed by law to challenge the Record of Decision passed without any legal challenges being filed. On April 19, 2016, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources held a pre-application public informational meeting which provided an overview of the state permitting process and is expected to be followed by the formal submission of permit applications by PolyMet. The final EIS also requires Records of Decision by the federal agencies, which are expected in 2016, before final action can be taken on the required permits to construct and operate the mining operation. Minnesota Power could supply between 45 MW and 50 MW of load under a ten-year power supply contract that would begin upon start-up of the mining operations.
EnergyForward. In 2013, Minnesota Power announced EnergyForward, a strategic plan for assuring reliability, protecting affordability and further improving environmental performance. The plan includes completed and planned investments in wind and hydroelectric power, the addition of natural gas as a generation fuel source, and the installation of emissions control technology. Significant elements of the EnergyForward plan include:

• | Major wind investments in North Dakota. The Bison Wind Energy Center added 205 MW of capacity in the fourth quarter of 2014, bringing total capacity to 497 MW. (See Renewable Energy.)

• | The installation of emissions control technology at Boswell Unit 4 completed in December 2015 to further reduce emissions of SO 2, particulates and mercury. (See Boswell Mercury Emission Reduction Plan.)

• | Planning for the proposed GNTL to deliver hydroelectric power from northern Manitoba by 2020. (See Transmission.)

• | The conversion of Laskin from coal to cleaner-burning natural gas which was completed in June 2015.

• | Retirement of Taconite Harbor Unit 3, one of three coal-fired units at Taconite Harbor, which was retired in May 2015.

In July 2015, Minnesota Power announced the next steps in its EnergyForward plan, which will reduce carbon emissions, increase the use of renewable resources and add natural gas to meet customer electric service needs in a balanced, reliable and cost-effective way. Significant additional elements of the plan include:

• | Economic idling of Taconite Harbor Units 1 and 2 in the fall of 2016 and the ceasing of coal-fired operations there in 2020.

• | Adding between 200 MW and 300 MW of cleaner and flexible natural gas-fired generation to Minnesota Power’s portfolio within the next decade.

• | Building both large and small scale solar generation.

• | Expanding the potential for additional energy efficiency savings.

Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). In a November 2013 order, the MPUC approved Minnesota Power’s 2013 IRP which detailed elements of its EnergyForward strategic plan, announced in January 2013. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed its 2015 IRP with the MPUC which contains the next steps in its EnergyForward strategic plan, and includes an analysis of a variety of existing and future energy resource alternatives and a projection of customer cost impact by class.
Renewable Energy. In February 2007, Minnesota enacted a law requiring 25 percent of electric utilities’ applicable retail and municipal energy sales in Minnesota to be from renewable energy sources by 2025. The law also requires Minnesota Power to meet interim milestones of 12 percent by 2012, 17 percent by 2016 and 20 percent by 2020. The law allows the MPUC to modify or delay meeting a milestone if implementation will cause significant ratepayer cost or technical reliability issues. If a utility is not in compliance with a milestone, the MPUC may order the utility to construct facilities, purchase renewable energy or purchase renewable energy credits. Minnesota Power’s 2015 IRP, which was filed with the MPUC in September 2015, includes an update on its plans and progress in meeting the Minnesota renewable energy milestones through 2025. (See EnergyForward.)
Minnesota Power continues to execute its renewable energy strategy through key renewable projects that will ensure it meets the identified state mandate at the lowest cost for customers. Minnesota Power has exceeded the interim milestone requirements to date and expects approximately 30 percent of its applicable retail and municipal energy sales will be supplied by renewable energy sources in 2016.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
43

OUTLOOK (Continued)
EnergyForward (Continued)
Minnesota Solar Energy Standard. In May 2013, legislation was enacted by the state of Minnesota requiring at least 1.5 percent of total retail electric sales, excluding sales to certain industrial customers, to be generated by solar energy by the end of 2020. At least 10 percent of the 1.5 percent mandate must be met by solar energy generated by or procured from solar photovoltaic devices with a nameplate capacity of 20 kilowatts or less. Minnesota Power has two solar projects under development. In August 2015, Minnesota Power filed for MPUC approval of a 10 MW utility scale solar project at Camp Ripley, a Minnesota Army National Guard base and training facility near Little Falls, Minnesota. In an order dated February 24, 2016, the MPUC approved the Camp Ripley solar project as eligible to meet the solar energy standard and for current cost recovery, subject to certain compliance requirements. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed for MPUC approval of a 1 MW community solar garden project in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, to be owned and operated by a third party with the output purchased by Minnesota Power. If the community solar garden project is also approved, Minnesota Power believes these projects will meet approximately one-third of the overall mandate and approximately one-fourth of the mandate related to solar photovoltaic devices with a nameplate capacity of 20 kilowatts or less. Costs associated with these projects are expected to be recovered from customers.
Wind Energy. Minnesota Power’s wind energy facilities consist of the 497 MW Bison Wind Energy Center located in North Dakota, and the 25 MW Taconite Ridge Energy Center located in northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota Power also has two long-term wind PPAs with an affiliate of NextEra Energy, Inc. to purchase the output from Oliver Wind I (50 MW) and Oliver Wind II (48 MW) located in North Dakota.
Minnesota Power uses the 465-mile, 250 kV DC transmission line that runs from Center, North Dakota, to Duluth, Minnesota, to transport increasing amounts of wind energy from North Dakota while gradually phasing out coal-based electricity delivered to its system over this transmission line from Square Butte’s lignite coal-fired generating unit. The DC transmission line capacity can be increased if renewable energy or transmission needs justify investments to upgrade the line.
Updated customer billing rates for the renewable cost recovery rider, which includes investments and expenditures related to the Bison Wind Energy Center, were approved by the MPUC in an order dated March 9, 2016, allowing Minnesota Power to charge retail customers on a current basis for the costs of constructing certain renewable investments plus a return on the capital invested. While approving the updated customer billing rates for the renewable cost recovery rider, the MPUC also allowed Minnesota Power additional time to submit support for its position on its utilization of North Dakota investment tax credits.
Minnesota Power accounts for North Dakota investment tax credits based on long-standing regulatory precedents of stand-alone allocation methodology of accounting for income taxes. The stand-alone method provides that income taxes (and credits) are calculated as if Minnesota Power was the only entity included in ALLETE’s consolidated federal and unitary state income tax returns. Minnesota Power has recorded a regulatory liability for North Dakota investment tax credits generated by its jurisdictional activity and expected to be realized in the future. North Dakota investment tax credits attributable to ALLETE’s apportionment and income of ALLETE’s other subsidiaries are included in the ALLETE consolidated group. The Minnesota Department of Commerce (Department) has inquired about our use of the North Dakota investment tax credits, taking the position that all North Dakota investment tax credits generated from the Bison Wind Energy Center should be credited to Minnesota Power ratepayers. The MPUC did not come to a decision on this issue in its order dated March 9, 2016, but requested that Minnesota Power provide further support on its position which was submitted on April 8, 2016.
The amount of North Dakota investment tax credits recognized by ALLETE as of March 31, 2016, total approximately $8 million, which represents the amount of North Dakota investment tax credits that the Department believes should be refunded to ratepayers. Minnesota Power will appropriately consider all avenues of appeal should an adverse decision be issued by the MPUC.
Manitoba Hydro. Minnesota Power has five long-term PPAs with Manitoba Hydro. The first PPA expires in May 2020. Under this agreement, Minnesota Power is purchasing 50 MW of capacity and the energy associated with that capacity. Both the capacity price and the energy price are adjusted annually by the change in a governmental inflationary index. Under the second PPA, Minnesota Power is purchasing surplus energy through April 2022. This energy-only agreement primarily consists of surplus hydro energy on Manitoba Hydro’s system that is delivered to Minnesota Power on a non-firm basis. The pricing is based on forward market prices. Under this agreement, Minnesota Power will purchase at least one million MWh of energy over the contract term.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
44

OUTLOOK (Continued)
EnergyForward (Continued)
In May 2011, Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro signed a third PPA. This PPA provides for Minnesota Power to purchase 250 MW of capacity and energy from Manitoba Hydro for 15 years beginning in 2020. The agreement is subject to construction of additional transmission capacity between Manitoba and the U.S., along with construction of new hydroelectric generating capacity in Manitoba. In September 2015, Manitoba Hydro submitted the final preferred route and EIS for the additional transmission capacity in Canada to Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship for regulatory approval. Construction of Manitoba Hydro’s hydroelectric generation facility commenced in 2014. The capacity price is adjusted annually until 2020 by the change in a governmental inflationary index. The energy price is based on a formula that includes an annual fixed price component adjusted for the change in a governmental inflationary index and a natural gas index, as well as market prices.
In July 2014, Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro signed a fourth PPA that provides for Minnesota Power to purchase up to 133 MW of energy from Manitoba Hydro for 20 years beginning in 2020. The pricing under this PPA is based on forward market prices. The PPA was approved by the MPUC in an order dated January 30, 2015, and is subject to the construction of the GNTL. (See Great Northern Transmission Line.)
In October 2015, Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro signed a fifth PPA that provides for Minnesota Power to purchase 50 MW of capacity at fixed prices. The PPA begins in June 2017 and expires in May 2020.
Boswell Mercury Emissions Reduction Plan. Minnesota Power has an approved environmental improvement rider in place for investments and expenditures related to the implementation of the Boswell Unit 4 mercury emissions reduction plan completed in 2015. Customer billing rates for the environmental improvement rider were approved by the MPUC in August 2015. In September 2015, Minnesota Power filed an updated environmental improvement factor filing which included updated costs associated with Boswell Unit 4. Upon approval of the filing, Minnesota Power will be authorized to include updated billing rates on customer bills.
Transmission. We continue to make investments in transmission opportunities that strengthen or enhance the transmission grid or take advantage of our geographical location between sources of renewable energy and end users. These include the GNTL, investments to enhance our own transmission facilities, investments in other transmission assets (individually or in combination with others), and our investment in ATC.
Great Northern Transmission Line (GNTL). As a condition of the long-term PPA signed in May 2011 with Manitoba Hydro, construction of additional transmission capacity is required. As a result, Minnesota Power and Manitoba Hydro proposed construction of the GNTL, an approximately 220-mile 500 kV transmission line, between Manitoba and Minnesota’s Iron Range in order to strengthen the electric grid, enhance regional reliability and promote a greater exchange of sustainable energy.
The GNTL is subject to various federal and state regulatory approvals. In October 2013, a certificate of need application was filed with the MPUC which was approved in a June 2015 order. Based on this order, Minnesota Power’s portion of the investments and expenditures for the project are eligible for cost recovery under its existing transmission cost recovery rider and are anticipated to be included in future transmission factor filings. (See Note 6. Regulatory Matters.) In a December 2015 order, the FERC approved our request to recover on construction work in progress related to the GNTL from Minnesota Power’s wholesale customers. In April 2014, Minnesota Power filed a route permit application with the MPUC and a request for a presidential permit to cross the U.S.-Canadian border with the U.S. Department of Energy. In an order dated April 11, 2016, the MPUC approved the route permit which largely follows Minnesota Power’s preferred route, including the international border crossing. A final decision on the presidential permit by the U.S. Department of Energy is expected in the second quarter of 2016. Manitoba Hydro must also obtain regulatory and governmental approvals related to a new transmission line in Canada. In September 2015, Manitoba Hydro submitted the final preferred route and EIS for the transmission line in Canada to the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship for regulatory approval. Construction of Manitoba Hydro’s hydroelectric generation facility commenced in 2014. Upon receipt of all applicable permits and approvals, construction of the GNTL is expected to begin by 2017 and to be completed in 2020. Total project cost in the U.S., including substation work, is estimated to be between $560 million and $710 million. Minnesota Power is expected to have majority ownership of the transmission line.
Investment in ATC. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, ALLETE Transmission Holdings, owns approximately 8 percent of ATC, a Wisconsin-based utility that owns and maintains electric transmission assets in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. As of March 31, 2016, our equity investment in ATC was $128.6 million ($124.5 million as of December 31, 2015). In the first three months of 2016, we invested $1.2 million in ATC, and on April 29, 2016, we invested an additional $0.4 million. We expect to make additional investments of approximately $4.6 million in 2016. (See Note 7. Investment in ATC.)
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
45

OUTLOOK (Continued)
Transmission (Continued)
In November 2013, several customer groups located within the MISO service area filed complaints with the FERC requesting, among other things, a reduction in the base return on equity used by MISO transmission owners, including ATC, to 9.15 percent. In February 2015, an additional complaint was filed with the FERC seeking an order to further reduce the base return on equity to 8.67 percent. In December 2015, a federal administrative law judge ruled that the MISO transmission users have been charged an unreasonable base return on equity and proposed a reduction to 10.32 percent, subject to approval or adjustment by the FERC. A final decision from the FERC on the administrative law judge’s recommendation is expected in 2016. Our equity earnings in ATC continue to be impacted by these reductions for estimated refunds and assume a 10.32 percent base return on equity for the period from November 12, 2013, to January 6, 2015, and a 10.82 percent return on equity (10.32 percent base return on equity plus a 50 basis point incentive) for the period from January 6, 2015, to March 31, 2016. ATC's current authorized return on equity is 12.2 percent. We own approximately 8 percent of ATC and estimate that for every 50 basis point reduction in ATC’s allowed return on equity our equity earnings in ATC would be impacted annually by approximately $0.5 million on an after-tax basis ($0.9 million pre-tax).
Energy Infrastructure and Related Services.
ALLETE Clean Energy.
ALLETE Clean Energy was established in 2011, and focuses on developing, acquiring and operating clean and renewable energy projects. ALLETE Clean Energy currently owns and operates, in four states, approximately 535 MW of nameplate capacity wind energy generation that are under long-term power sales agreements. In addition, ALLETE Clean Energy constructed a 107 MW wind energy facility for sale to Montana-Dakota Utilities; construction and sale were completed in the fourth quarter of 2015.
ALLETE Clean Energy believes the market for renewable energy in North America is robust, driven by several factors including environmental regulation, tax incentives, societal expectations and continual technology advances. The recent Clean Power Plan is an example of an environmental regulation that we believe will drive renewable energy development.
ALLETE Clean Energy’s strategy includes the safe, reliable, optimal and profitable operation of its existing facilities. This includes a strong safety culture, the continuous pursuit of operational efficiencies at existing facilities, and cost controls. While ALLETE Clean Energy generally acquires facilities in liquid power markets, ALLETE Clean Energy’s strategy also includes the exploration of power sales agreement extensions upon expiration of existing contracts.
ALLETE Clean Energy will pursue steady growth through acquisitions or project development for others. ALLETE Clean Energy is targeting acquisitions of existing facilities with a purchase price in the $50 million to $100 million range, and which have long-term power sales agreements in place for the facility’s output. At this time, ALLETE Clean Energy expects acquisitions will be primarily wind or solar facilities in North America.
ALLETE Clean Energy will manage risk by having a diverse portfolio of assets, which will include power sales contract expiration and geographic diversity. The current mix of power sales agreement expiration and geographic location is as follows:

Wind Energy Facility | Location | Capacity MW | PPA MW % | PPA Expiration
Armenia Mountain | Pennsylvania | 100.5 | 100% | 2024
Chanarambie/Viking | Minnesota | 97.5 |  |
PPA 1 |  |  | 12% | 2018
PPA 2 |  |  | 88% | 2023
Condon | Oregon | 50 | 100% | 2022
Lake Benton | Minnesota | 104 | 100% | 2028
Storm Lake I | Iowa | 108 | 100% | 2019
Storm Lake II | Iowa | 77 |  |
PPA 1 |  |  | 90% | 2019
PPA 2 |  |  | 10% | 2032

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
46

OUTLOOK (Continued)
U.S. Water Services.
On February 10, 2015, ALLETE acquired U.S. Water Services. Headquartered in St. Michael, Minnesota, U.S. Water Services provides integrated water management for industry by combining chemical, equipment, engineering and service for customized solutions to reduce water and energy usage and improve efficiency. U.S. Water Services is located in 49 states and Canada and has an established base of approximately 4,500 customers. U.S. Water Services differentiates itself from the competition by developing synergies between established solutions in engineering, equipment, and chemical water treatment and helping customers achieve efficient and sustainable use of their water and energy systems. U.S. Water Services is a leading provider to the biofuels industry, and also serves the food and beverage, industrial, power generation, and midstream oil and gas industries. U.S. Water Services principally relies upon recurring revenues from a diverse mix of industrial customers. U.S. Water Services’ sells certain products which are seasonal in nature, with higher demand typically realized in warmer months. The results for the first quarter of 2015 reflect operations from the date of acquisition, February 10, 2015, through March 31, 2015, and therefore, do not reflect a full quarter.
Our strategy is to grow U.S. Water Services’ North American presence by adding customers, products, and new geographies. We believe water scarcity and a growing emphasis on conservation will continue to drive significant growth in the industrial, commercial, and governmental sectors leading to organic revenue growth for U.S. Water Services. U.S. Water Services also expects to pursue periodic strategic tuck-in acquisitions with a purchase price in the $10 million to $50 million range. Priority will be given to acquisitions which expand its geographic reach, add new technology, or deepen its capabilities to serve its expanding customer base.
Corporate and Other.
Corporate and Other is comprised of BNI Energy, our coal mining operations in North Dakota, ALLETE Properties, our legacy Florida real estate investment, other business development and corporate expenditures, unallocated interest expense, a small amount of non-rate base generation, approximately 5,000 acres of land in Minnesota, and earnings on cash and investments.
BNI Energy. BNI Energy anticipates selling 4.3 million tons of coal in 2016 (4.3 million tons were sold in 2015) and has sold 1.2 million tons through March 31, 2016 (1.0 million tons were sold as of March 31, 2015). BNI Energy operates under cost-plus fixed fee agreements extending through December 31, 2037.
ALLETE Properties. ALLETE Properties represents our legacy Florida real estate investment. Market conditions can impact land sales and could result in our inability to cover our cost basis, operating expenses or fixed carrying costs such as community development district assessments and property taxes.
ALLETE Properties’ major projects are Town Center, Palm Coast Park and Ormond Crossings. Separately, the Lake Swamp wetland mitigation bank was permitted on land that was previously part of Ormond Crossings.
In addition to the three projects and the mitigation bank, ALLETE Properties has approximately 1,400 acres of other land available-for-sale.
Income Taxes. ALLETE’s aggregate federal and multi-state statutory tax rate is approximately 41 percent for 2016. On an ongoing basis, ALLETE has tax credits and other tax adjustments that reduce the combined statutory rate to the effective tax rate. These tax credits and adjustments historically have included items such as investment tax credits, production tax credits, AFUDC–Equity, depletion, as well as other items. The annual effective rate can also be impacted by such items as changes in income before non-controlling interest and income taxes, state and federal tax law changes that become effective during the year, business combinations, tax planning initiatives and resolution of prior years’ tax matters. Primarily due to federal production tax credits as a result of wind energy generation, we expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 17 percent for 2016. We also expect that our effective tax rate will be lower than the combined statutory rate over the next nine years due to production tax credits attributable to our wind energy generation.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
47

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity Position. ALLETE is well-positioned to meet the Company’s liquidity needs. As of March 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $97.0 million, $395.9 million in available consolidated lines of credit and a debt-to-capital ratio of 46 percent.
Capital Structure. ALLETE’s capital structure is as follows:

| March 31, 2016 |  |  | % |  | December 31, 2015 |  |  | %
Millions |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ALLETE Equity |  | $1,849.8 |  |  | 54 |  |  | $1,820.2 |  |  | 53
Non-Controlling Interest | 2.7 |  |  | — |  | 2.2 |  |  | —
Long-Term Debt (Including Current Maturities) | 1,578.4 |  |  | 46 |  | 1,605.0 |  |  | 47
Notes Payable | 0.7 |  |  | — |  | 1.6 |  |  | —
|  | $3,431.6 |  |  | 100 |  |  | $3,429.0 |  |  | 100

Cash Flows. Selected information from ALLETE’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is as follows:

For the Three Months Ended March 31, | 2016 |  |  | 2015 |
Millions |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period |  | $97.0 |  |  |  | $145.8 |
Cash Flows from (used for) |  |  |
Operating Activities | 93.2 |  |  | 71.8 |
Investing Activities | (42.6 | ) |  | (255.9 | )
Financing Activities | (50.6 | ) |  | 110.4 |
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | (73.7 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period |  | $97.0 |  |  |  | $72.1 |

Operating Activities. Cash from operating activities was $93.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($71.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015). Cash from operating activities was higher in 2016 primarily due to higher net income and non-cash items (primarily depreciation expense), lower fuel inventory purchases and timing of accounts payable payments.
Investing Activities. Cash used for investing activities was $42.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($255.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015). The decrease in cash used for investing activities was primarily due to the acquisition of U.S. Water Services in February 2015, as well as lower capital expenditures in 2016.
Financing Activities. Cash used for financing activities was $50.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 ($110.4 million from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015). The decrease in cash from financing activities was primarily due to lower proceeds from the issuance of common stock and higher repayments of long-term debt in 2016.
Working Capital. Additional working capital, if and when needed, generally is provided by consolidated bank lines of credit, the sale of securities or commercial paper. As of March 31, 2016, we had available consolidated bank lines of credit aggregating $395.9 million ($408.4 million available as of December 31, 2015), the majority of which expire in November 2018. In addition, as of March 31, 2016, we had 1.7 million original issue shares of our common stock available for issuance through Invest Direct, our direct stock purchase and dividend reinvestment plan, and 4.0 million original issue shares of common stock available for issuance through a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets, Inc. (See Securities.) The amount and timing of future sales of our securities will depend upon market conditions and our specific needs.
Securities. We entered into a distribution agreement with Lampert Capital Markets, Inc., in 2008, as amended most recently in February 2015, with respect to the issuance and sale of up to an aggregate of 13.6 million shares of our common stock, without par value, of which 4.0 million remain available for issuance. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, no shares of common stock were issued under this agreement (1.3 million shares were issued for the three months ended March 31, 2015, resulting in net proceeds of $69.9 million). The shares issued in 2015 were offered and sold pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-190335.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
48

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES (Continued)
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we issued 0.2 million shares of common stock through Invest Direct, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and the Retirement Savings and Stock Ownership Plan, resulting in net proceeds of $9.0 million (0.1 million shares were issued for the three months ended March 31, 2015, resulting in net proceeds of $6.2 million). These shares of common stock were registered under Registration Statement Nos. 333-188315, 333-183051 and 333-162890.
Financial Covenants. See Note 8. Short-Term and Long-Term Debt for information regarding our financial covenants.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans. Management considers various factors when making funding decisions, such as regulatory requirements, actuarially determined minimum contribution requirements and contributions required to avoid benefit restrictions for the defined benefit pension plans. In 2016, we expect to make $2.0 million in contributions to our defined benefit pension plan and we do not expect to make any contributions to our other postretirement benefit plan. (See Note 12. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.)
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Off-balance sheet arrangements are summarized in our 2015 Form 10-K, with additional disclosure in Note 13. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.
Capital Requirements. Our capital expenditures for 2016 are expected to be approximately $195 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, capital expenditures totaled $18.4 million ($57.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015). The expenditures were primarily made in the Regulated Operations segment.
OTHER
Environmental Matters.
Our businesses are subject to regulation of environmental matters by various federal, state and local authorities. We anticipate that although many of the state and federal environmental regulations have been finalized, or will be finalized in the near future, potential expenditures for future environmental matters may be material and may require significant capital investments. We are unable to predict the outcome of the issues discussed in Note 13. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies.
Employees.
At March 31, 2016, ALLETE had 1,958 employees, of which 1,925 were full-time.
Minnesota Power and SWL&P have an aggregate of 555 employees who are members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 31. The current labor agreements with IBEW Local 31 expire on January 31, 2018.
BNI Energy has 171 employees, of which 125 are members of IBEW Local 1593. The current labor agreement with IBEW Local 1593 expires on March 31, 2019.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
New accounting standards are discussed in Note 1. Operations and Significant Accounting Policies.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
SECURITIES INVESTMENTS
Available-for-Sale Securities. At March 31, 2016, our available-for-sale securities portfolio consisted primarily of securities held in other postretirement plans to fund employee benefits. (See Note 2. Investments.)
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
49

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK (Continued)
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Our regulated utility operations incur costs for power and fuel (primarily coal and related transportation) in Minnesota and power and natural gas purchased for resale in our regulated service territory in Wisconsin. Our Minnesota regulated utility’s exposure to price risk for these commodities is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows recovery of fuel costs in excess of those included in base rates. Conversely, costs below those in base rates result in a credit to our ratepayers. SWL&P’s exposure to price risk for natural gas is significantly mitigated by the current ratemaking process and regulatory framework, which allows the commodity cost to be passed through to customers. We seek to prudently manage our customers’ exposure to price risk by entering into contracts of various durations and terms for the purchase of power and coal and related transportation costs (Minnesota Power) and natural gas (SWL&P).
POWER MARKETING
Minnesota Power’s power marketing activities consist of: (1) purchasing energy in the wholesale market to serve its regulated service territory when energy requirements exceed generation output; and (2) selling excess available energy and purchased power. From time to time, Minnesota Power may have excess energy that is temporarily not required by retail and municipal customers in our regulated service territory. Minnesota Power actively sells any excess energy to the wholesale market to optimize the value of its generating facilities.
We are exposed to credit risk primarily through our power marketing activities. We use credit policies to manage credit risk, which includes utilizing an established credit approval process and monitoring counterparty limits.
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to risks resulting from changes in interest rates as a result of our issuance of variable rate debt. We manage our interest rate risk by varying the issuance and maturity dates of our fixed rate debt, limiting the amount of variable rate debt, and continually monitoring the effects of market changes in interest rates. We may also enter into derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to mitigate interest rate exposure. Interest rates on variable rate long-term debt are reset on a periodic basis reflecting prevailing market conditions. Based on the variable rate debt outstanding at March 31, 2016, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would impact the amount of pretax interest expense by $1.7 million. This amount was determined by considering the impact of a hypothetical 100 basis point increase to the average variable interest rate on the variable rate debt outstanding as of March 31, 2016.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of March 31, 2016, evaluations were performed, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, on the effectiveness of the design and operation of ALLETE’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act)). Based upon those evaluations, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed in ALLETE’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Controls. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
50

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
For information regarding material legal and regulatory proceedings, see Note 5. Regulatory Matters and Note 12. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies to our Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2015 Form 10-K and Note 6. Regulatory Matters and Note 13. Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies herein. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of our 2015 Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) requires issuers to include in periodic reports filed with the SEC certain information relating to citations or orders for violations of standards under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Safety Act). Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Act and this Item are included in Exhibit 95 to this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
51

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number |  |
31(a) |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31(b) |  | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32 |  | Section 1350 Certification of Periodic Report by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
95 |  | Mine Safety
99 |  | ALLETE News Release dated May 3, 2016, announcing 2016 first quarter earnings. (This exhibit has been furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.)
101.INS |  | XBRL Instance
101.SCH |  | XBRL Schema
101.CAL |  | XBRL Calculation
101.DEF |  | XBRL Definition
101.LAB |  | XBRL Label
101.PRE |  | XBRL Presentation

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
52

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

|  | ALLETE, INC.
May 3, 2016 |  | /s/ Steven Q. DeVinck
|  | Steven Q. DeVinck
|  | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
May 3, 2016 |  | /s/ Steven W. Morris
|  | Steven W. Morris
|  | Controller

ALLETE, Inc. First Quarter 2016 Form 10-Q
53